#chatsafe for parents and carers is an evidence-backed guide from Orygen for parents, carers and other trusted adults who want to support young people’s safe online conversations about self-harm and suicide. It is designed to help adults feel more confident using safe language, starting conversations and responding supportively when a young person comes across distressing content online.
This resource is for parents and carers supporting young people. The guide notes that #chatsafe content has been developed and evaluated with young people aged 16 to 25, so age and stage should be considered when using it with younger children.
The guide offers practical support on:
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using helpful, non-stigmatising language around self-harm and suicide
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understanding key facts and common myths
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starting open, calm conversations with young people
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supporting a young person if they see distressing content online
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helping young people respond more safely to worrying posts
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understanding platform reporting and safety tools
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looking after your own wellbeing while supporting someone else.
This resource was developed in Australia. The guide and website include Australian support services and emergency guidance, and the main #chatsafe site advises visitors outside Australia to use guidance for their own region. For readers in Ireland, the practical advice may still be useful, but any urgent help or support signposting should be based on Irish services.
If you or someone else is at immediate risk, phone 112 or 999 or go to your nearest emergency department (ED). You can also contact your GP for urgent help.
The guide is free to download and available in 31 languages, including Irish.