How social media responds to suicidal messages

December 3, 2019

What if someone is posting suicidal messages or something disturbing on social media? Some social media sites also have a process to report suicidal content and get help for the person posting the message. Each offers different options on how to respond. Here's how 6 of the most popular ones do it.

What if someone is posting suicidal messages or something disturbing on social media?

If you see messages or live streaming suicidal behavior on social media, call 911 immediately; contact the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255); or text the Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741). Some social media sites also have a process to report suicidal content and get help for the person posting the message. Each offers different options on how to respond.

Facebook’s Suicide Prevention web page can be found at www.facebook.com/help/594991777257121/ (use the search term “suicide” or “suicide prevention”).

Instagram uses automated tools in the app to provide resources, which can also be found online at https://help.instagram.com (use the search term “suicide,” self-injury,” or “suicide prevention”).

Snapchat’s Support provides guidance at https://support.snapchat.com (use the search term “suicide” or “suicide prevention”).

Tumblr Counseling and Prevention Resources web page can be found at https://tumblr.zendesk.com (use the search term “counseling” or “prevention,” then click on “Counseling and prevention resources”).

Twitter’s Best Practices in Dealing With Self-Harm and Suicide at https://support.twitter.com (use the search term “suicide,” “self-harm,” or “suicide prevention”).

YouTube’s Safety Center webpage can be found at https://support.google.com/youtube (use the search term “suicide and self-injury”). Turn to page 32 to read more about suicide prevention.