Self-harm and suicide prevention

Suicide is the fourth-leading cause of death in young people aged 15 to 29 years worldwide. Research around interventions that meet the population's need is crucial.These guidelines are designed to equip researchers with the tools and confidence to involve young people with lived and living experience of suicide in suicide prevention research.The Top 10 tips for young people involved in prevention research provides advice for those who are involved or considering involvement in suicide research.

This guide looks at early warning signs of self-harm, factors that may influence young First Nations people to self-harm, and how to get help, including managing a crisis and injuries.

Orygen’s #chatsafe guide includes advice for young people on how to talk about self-harm and suicide safely on social media and other digital platforms. Developed in partnership with young people, the guidelines are evidence-based and can assist anyone who is responding to suicide-related content posted by others or for young people who might want to share their own feelings and experiences with suicidal thoughts, feelings or behaviours. As well as advice for young people on how to handle being exposed to potentially dangerous online games, challenges and hoaxes, and dedicated advice for influencers who create content related to mental health.

The #chatsafe guidelines' top 10 tips for young people on communicating safely online about suicide.

As many as 10% of young Australians will self-harm at some point in their lives but parents and carers often feel alone when they discover that a loved one is intentionally hurting themselves.  

This resource is based on the #chatsafe guidelines and has been developed to help communities who may have experienced the suicide of a young person provide information and support via social media in a safe and supportive way.

These guidelines have been developed to assist clinicians and service providers to integrate digital technology into clinical care for young people who experience suicidal thoughts or behaviour.The objective of these guidelines is to promote the uptake of potentially helpful digital tools into clinical care.Any information you feel comfortable sharing will be treated confidentially. This information helps us to develop resources to support young people and adds to future research. To download without providing your information, click ‘I am not a robot’ at the bottom of this form and then press the submit button.