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

• Published in: Psychological medicine Vol. 53; no. 10; pp. 4434 - 4445
• Main Authors: Rodway, C., Tham, S. G., Richards, N., Ibrahim, S., Turnbull, P., Kapur, N., Appleby, L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge, UK Cambridge University Press 01.07.2023
• Subjects: Bereavement; Bullying; Children & youth; Coronaviruses; COVID-19; Cyberbullying; Health status; Industrialized nations; Inquests; Internet; LGBTQ people; Medical personnel; Mental disorders; Mental health; Mental health professionals; Original; Original Article; Public health; Self destructive behavior; Self injury; Social interactions; Social isolation; Social media; Social networks; Suicide; Suicides & suicide attempts; Young adults; Youth; England; Scotland; United Kingdom > UK; Northern Ireland; Wales; internet use; Adversity; young people; suicide
• ISSN: 0033-2917; 1469-8978
• DOI: 10.1017/S0033291722001258

Few studies have examined online experience by young people who die by suicide. 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. 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%). 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.