Social media and suicide prevention: How to find help and give help

• Try to say that the person "died by suicide" (instead of "commit suicide" – see the examples of unhelpful language below).
• Indicate that suicide is complex and that many factors contribute to a person ending their life.
• Include messages of hope and recovery.
• Tell others who might be thinking about suicide where and how they could get help.
• Include information on factors that help protect against suicide, such as engaging in their favourite activities and hanging out with their friends.
• Indicate that suicide is preventable, help is available, treatments are successful and recovery is possible.
• Encourage young people to talk about what they are feeling – that might be to a friend, a trusted adult or a professional.

• Don't use words that describe suicide as criminal or sinful (say "died by suicide" rather than "committed suicide"). This may suggest to someone that what they are feeling is wrong or unacceptable or make someone worry that they'll be judged if they ask for help.
• Don't say that suicide is a "solution" to problems, life stressors or mental health difficulties.
• Don't use words that glamorise, romanticise or make suicide seem appealing.
• Don't use words that trivialise or make suicide seem less complex than it is.
• Don't blame one event or imply that the suicide was the result of a single cause, such as bullying or social media use.
• Don't use judgmental phrases that reinforce myths, stigma, stereotypes or suggest nothing can be done about suicide.
• Don't provide detailed information about the actual suicide or suicide attempt.
• Do not provide information about suicide methods or the location of the suicide.
• Don't acknowledge if there have been a number of suicide acts at a particular location or "hot spot".

Watch out for suicidal behaviours in teens on social media

• Threatening to hurt themselves or suicide
• Looking for ways to die by suicide (e.g. seeking access to pills, weapons or other means)
• Deliberately hurting themselves (i.e. by scratching, cutting or burning)
• Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide
• Hopelessness
• Rage, anger, seeking revenge
• Acting recklessly or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking
• Feeling trapped, like there's no way out
• Increasing alcohol or drug use
• Withdrawing from friends, family or society
• Anxiety, agitation, changes in sleep or appetite
• Dramatic changes in mood
• No reason for living, no sense of purpose in life

Responding to dangerous online "challenges"

• Understand the risk. Don't dismiss the danger. Everyone has a role to play in stopping the spread of this content.
• Actively listen. If young people express any concerns or worries about things they have seen online or posts or comments that friends or others have made, it is important to listen and offer support.
• Consider the impact. Even forwarding warnings about online self-harm and suicide challenges can be triggering to some people. It's important for people to stay informed, but please be mindful of what you share related to the topic of suicide, and how it can affect others.
• Report it. Anyone can report inappropriate online material that is harmful or distressing to social media channels. The platforms will review and potentially remove content that goes against their policies.
• Talk it over. If you have teens (or work with young people), find ways to talk with them about their online activity in a way that encourages them to share what they're doing or looking at. If asking directly about a challenge doesn't work, try more indirect ways of finding out. Young people need to know that they can trust their parents and won't be punished for being honest.