Online suicide challenges

In recent years, various online ‘suicide challenges’ and games have surfaced and resurfaced, causing widespread concern. While there are several versions of the challenges being shared, they typically consist of a series of harmful tasks that are given to users over a set period of time. Some of these challenges are real, others are hoaxes, or began as hoaxes, intended to frighten and cause panic. Regardless of their origin, these challenges and games have the potential to cause harm if attention is drawn to them.

These challenges have in the past attracted unhelpful media coverage and discussion across social media platforms. However, there is no known evidence of these challenges resulting in serious harm in the UK and it is important to remember that suicide is complex and rarely the result of one thing.

Due to the potential risk of contagion we should do all we can to limit information about specific online challenges and games being shared more widely. This could initiate widespread media coverage of the challenge and inadvertently raise greater awareness of it among young audiences, who may go online to find out more, potentially exposing them to harmful self-harm and suicide content. Online risk is a broad spectrum and to focus on a single aspect, such as one online challenge, may mean attention is specific to this and other types of harmful online challenges or activities are not talked about.

Therefore, we strongly recommend careful consideration is given prior to publishing any specific warnings or alerts to the public to avoid drawing greater attention to one particular challenge.

PHE, Samaritans, internet safety groups and social media platforms are aware of the online challenges currently being circulated. Work is being carried out, behind the scenes to limit the accessibility of this content and to take steps to address concerns around potential risks posed, particularly to young people. Samaritans also continues to work closely with social media platforms and monitor online content and news coverage.

Advice for parents and practitioners

While it is important to promote online safety to young audiences, parents and adults who work with children and young people, it is safer to approach this with general messages about online safety, without naming specific online games or challenges.

If you are forwarded warnings about any online challenge or game relating to self-harm and suicide, please think carefully about what you share. It is worth reminding people of the importance of avoiding drawing attention to it and inadvertently advertising it to young people. Some further advice below:

• We encourage parents and adults who work with young people to talk to them about all their online activity. Let them share what they’re playing or looking at, rather than asking them whether they are have seen or engaged with the online challenge, which may draw their interest to it or mean they do not talk about other concerning online activities.
• We encourage extreme caution on sharing online content with young people that may be distressing or upsetting. If young people express any concern or worries over material they have seen online, or posts or comments that friends or others have made, it is important to listen to them and offer support. Remember that inappropriate online material, which could be harmful and distressing, can be reported through social media channels for review and potential removal.
• Providing information and signposting to sources of support for all young people is important regardless of whether an online challenge is circulating. It may also be useful to provide advice on how young people can support themselves and their friends.
  
• If you have concerns that someone is suicidal, useful information can be found here.
  
• For tips on discussing suicide safely online, see our guidance.
  
• For general advice on online safety, ChildNet have advice aimed at young people, parents and teachers. ChildNet

If you have any concerns or questions about online challenges or other harmful content related to suicide and self-harm, please contact the Online Harms Advisory Service at Samaritans. [email protected].