Exposure to graphic or disturbing content - Algorithms on platforms can amplify harmful content. Exposure to certain types of content can be particularly harmful when we’re feeling vulnerable and increase suicide risk.

Suicide contagion - suicide contagion (also known as the Werther effect) is when exposure and circumstances around one person’s suicide inadvertently triggers suicidal thoughts and actions in others.

Content that shares details, sensationalises or glamourises suicide can contribute to imitative behaviours. The more details shared about how the person took their life, the greater the risk that others may copy with similar behaviour. Risk also increases when a vulnerable person identifies with the person who has died by suicide.

Cyberbullying - online harassment, cyberbullying, and trolling can significantly impact mental health and contribute to suicidal ideation, especially among young people who are more vulnerable to peer pressure and social validation.

Exposure to online bullying, harassment, and public shaming can cause emotional harm, perpetuate feelings of marginalisation and exclusion, and contribute to feelings of hopelessness and low self-esteem as well as mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. 

Digital addiction - compulsive overuse of digital devices, social media, or online platforms can contribute to suicide risk through its impact on mental health, social relationships, and overall wellbeing.

Constant exposure to idealised images and achievements on social media can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.

Excessive screen time, particularly before bedtime, interferes with sleep patterns due to blue light exposure and mental stimulation. Chronic sleep deprivation is strongly linked to mood disorders and suicidal thoughts.

Being constantly online makes it more difficult to escape harassment, intensifying feelings of hopelessness.

Digital addiction can serve as a way to escape or avoid real-world problems, leaving underlying issues unaddressed and potentially worsening them.

Be aware of suicide warning signs - Look for behavioural and emotional signs that might indicate distress or suicidal thoughts, such as:

• Increased withdrawal or isolation.
• Posting or sharing alarming content about hopelessness, death, or self-harm.
• Excessive engagement with online communities that promote harmful behaviours
• Expressing feelings of being a burden or having no reason to live.
• Sudden changes in mood, sleep patterns, or behaviour.

See more suicide warning signs.

Share your concerns - Chose a time and place to talk to them about your concerns. Be direct and share what you’ve noticed. For example, "I’ve seen some of the things you’ve been posting or liking online, and I’m really worried about you."

Encourage positive actions - Encourage them to block or avoid triggering websites, accounts, or communities. Suggest following accounts that are positive in promoting mental health and resilience.

Suggest reducing the amount of time they spend online and encourage them to introduce screen-free activities.

Let them know you care - Offer emotional support and check in regularly. Celebrate small victories with them to show your support and reinforce the importance of their successes.

Distract them from digital activities and make plans to do something with them regularly.

Share resources that could support them - Apps such as R;pple can support by interrupting searches for harmful content and providing access to resources that can help.

Let them know that they can talk to you, someone they trust or share information about crisis mental health support if you’re concerned they may be at risk of suicide.

If they’re in crisis, contact one of the urgent mental health services to get advice and support to help deescalate the symptoms they’re experiencing. If you can, remove or prevent access to lethal means.

Look after yourself – self-care is important. Be aware of your own mental health and wellbeing and ensure you’re taking steps to look after yourself.

By acting with compassion and persistence, you can make a significant difference in the life of someone struggling with suicidal thoughts. It's important to remember that your role isn’t to be a solution to difficulties they’re experiencing.

If you don’t feel able to support them, talk to someone you trust that could help.