#ChatSafe for parents and carers: supporting young people to communicate safely online about self-harm and suicide

Parents and carers are often some of the most trusted adults in a young person’s life, and are an important source of information and support. For this reason, it is important for parents and carers to have the knowledge and confidence to talk to young people about sensitive topics such as self-harm and suicide.

Developed in partnership with Orygen’s world-class research team, #ChatSafe for parents and carers is a tool to help adults feel more confident and better equipped to support their young person to communicate safely online about self-harm and suicide.

Having these conversations openly and early is critical when providing support to young people, especially when they are struggling with self harm or thoughts of suicide, or coming across information about these topics that they might find distressing. By increasing your own knowledge and confidence to communicate about self-harm and suicide safely, you can encourage your young person to do the same – both online and offline.

This resource is divided into four sections: ·

• Section 1. General tips. This section provides general information about the importance of talking to young people about self-harm and suicide.
• Section 2. What does safe online communication about self-harm and suicide look like? This section provides information on how you can support your young person to safely create, view, and respond to online self-harm and suicide content.
• Section 3. Livestreams, games, pacts, hoaxes, and communities.
• Section 4. Looking after yourself and your young person.