Orygen launches guidelines globally for talking safely online about suicide

Youth mental health organisation, Orygen has released guidelines globally to help young people communicate safely online about suicide.

The guidelines, called #chatsafe: a young person’s guide for communicating safely online about suicide, were developed in partnership with young people and are now available in local languages for Brazil, Finland, Hong Kong, Mexico, Nigeria, Norway, South Korea, Singapore, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

The guidelines are aimed at supporting young people who might be responding to suicide risk or suicide-related content posted by others, for young people who might be looking for information or help for suicidal feelings, or for those who want to share online their own feelings and experiences with suicide.

Life in Mind Acting Program Manager, Sara Bartlett, said the guidelines are an important resource to support young people on the digital platforms.

“Young people around the world are using social media more and more to connect with others,” Ms Bartlett said.

“As they connect and have conversations, many may start discussions around mental ill-health and suicide.

“Empowering young people through best practice language and supportive resources is one way to guide these conversations so they remain are safe and responsible and more importantly, do no harm.”

The development of the guidelines was funded by the Australian Government, under the National Suicide Prevention Leadership and Support Program. The guidelines have been taken global with support from Facebook and project partners which include The University of Melbourne and Everymind.

Access the #chatsafe guidelines, and other tips and resources: https://www.orygen.org.au/chatsafe