Samaritans launch online safety campaign

Samaritans have launched an online safety campaign. The aim of the campaign, which has been co-developed with young people with lived experience of self-harm and suicidal feelings, is to equip young people with the skills they need to stay safe online when engaging with self-harm and suicide content. 

The internet can be an invaluable space for individuals experiencing self-harm and suicidal feelings. It provides opportunities to access information, find options for support, and provides a platform to speak openly about difficult feelings that can be challenging to discuss face to face.

However, it can also carry potential risks by presenting opportunities to access content that can be distressing, triggering and may act to encourage, maintain or exacerbate self-harm and suicidal behaviours.

The things we say about suicide online makes a difference. Posting safely can reduce the risk of suicidal feelings and behaviours in others and encourage people to seek help. You can read Samaritans tips on how to post safely here.