Responding to Suicidal Content

From the IFTAS Moderator Library, supporting Fediverse trust & safety

Updated on 2024-04-09

Safe and supportive online spaces provide an opportunity for people to talk about suicidal feelings openly and without stigma, and to get help and support. The right response, at the right time, can be lifesaving.

This guide sets out a recommended best-practice approach to responding to suicidal posts online. It is designed for community managers, moderators or individuals running or facilitating a community online for adults in England and Wales, and will help you provide a safe and supportive response to someone in crisis online.

The guide can be used by any online community, including bespoke communities, forums and those based on social media. The approach can be applied in communities of all types and sizes, regardless of topic or whether their principal aim is to provide emotional support. This document has been developed through consultation with leading experts in online communities, mental health and suicide, as well as community members with experience of seeking support for suicidal feelings online.

Download Responding to suicidal content online: Best-practice guidelines

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