Online harms? Suicide-related online experience: a UK-wide case series study of young people who die by suicide

Abstract

Background Few studies have examined online experience by young people who die by suicide. Methods A 3-year UK-wide consecutive case series of all young people aged 10–19 who died by suicide, based on national mortality data. We extracted information on the antecedents of suicide of 544 of these 595 deaths (91%) from official investigations, mainly inquests. Results Suicide-related online experience was reported in 24% (n = 128/544) of suicide deaths in young people between 2014 and 2016, equivalent to 43 deaths per year, and was more common in girls than boys (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.23–2.85, p = 0.003) and those identifying as LGBT (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.10–5.05, p = 0.028). Searching for information about method was most common (n = 68, 13%), followed by posting suicidal ideas online (n = 57, 10%). Self-harm, bereavement (especially by suicide), social isolation, and mental and physical ill-health were more likely in those known to have suicide-related online experience compared to those who did not. 29 (5%) were bullied online, more often girls (OR 2.84, 1.34–6.04, p = 0.007). Online bullying often accompanied face-to-face bullying (n = 16/29, 67%). Conclusions Suicide-related online experience is a common, but likely underestimated, antecedent to suicide in young people. Although its causal role is unclear, it may influence suicidality in this population. Mental health professionals should be aware that suicide-related online experience – not limited to social media – is a potential risk for young patients, and may be linked to experiences offline. For public health, wider action is required on internet regulation and support for children and their families.

Investigating How People Who Self-harm Evaluate Web-Based Lived Experience Stories: Focus Group Study

“…Young people experiencing suicidal feelings are also particularly likely to search for advice or peer support on the web [ 4 , 9 , 10 ]. However, web-based help seeking is also associated with risks, such as unintentional exposure to graphic or prosuicide and self-harm content and engagement with discussion forums in which self-harm is sometimes normalized and negative feelings are reinforced [ 3 , 8 , 9 , 11 ]. Therefore, it is vital that the web-based support content provided is safe, effective, and evidence-based.…”

Research Review: Viewing self‐harm images on the internet and social media platforms: systematic review of the impact and associated psychological mechanisms

“…The potential for harm is particularly concerning because self‐harm and suicide‐related internet sites are commonly accessed by young people engaging in self‐harm and are associated with both increased self‐harm and suicidal intent (Daine et al., 2013; Mars et al., 2015; Padmanathan et al., 2018). Accessing suicide‐related content online can be an antecedent to suicide in young people (Rodway et al., 2022).…”

From “online brains” to “online lives”: understanding the individualized impacts of Internet use across psychological, cognitive and social dimensions

“…That said, the Internet does inarguably provide a platform for young people to become exposed to "online harms", with many valid concerns expressed over obvious threats such as cyberbullying, exposure to pornographic material, and gambling [26][27][28][29] . Moreover, the gravity of the issue of exposure to suicide-related content has been highlighted by a study 30 reporting that almost a quarter of young people who died by suicide in a UK sample had suicide-related Internet experiences (e.g., searching for methods of suicide). Since these discrete threats from online world have been comprehensively examined elsewhere 22,31,32 , we instead seek here to elucidate how the nuances of general Internet usage, apart from these high-risk activities, may affect cognitive and psychological outcomes.…”