#chatsafe is a guide from Orygen designed to help young people communicate more safely online about self-harm and suicide. It offers practical guidance to reduce harm, support help-seeking and encourage safer conversations online.

This edition is mainly for young people aged 12–25. It may also be useful for anyone creating, sharing or responding to online content related to self-harm or suicide.

The guide includes practical advice on:

• pausing before you post and thinking about impact

• using safer language and visuals online

• sharing personal experiences in ways that centre help, hope and recovery

• responding safely to worrying posts

• looking after your own wellbeing online

• topics such as bereavement, online communities, livestreams and influencer content

This guide was developed in Australia. Some helpline details and other service information in the guide are Australia-specific, so readers here should use Irish services and local crisis supports where needed. The wider guidance on safer online communication may still be helpful.

If you or someone you know is at immediate risk, call 999 or 112, go to your nearest A&E, or contact your GP. For non-emergency support options, visit Cavan Monaghan Connects.

Read more: https://www.orygen.org.au/chatsafe