How to help kids process self-harm and suicide content in media

A CHOC expert offers advice on how to help our youth process their thoughts and feelings about media content in a healthy way.

By Joanne Cabrera, Licensed Mental Health Therapist at CHOC

What is the importance of helping kids process self-harm and suicide content in media?

Our youth are constantly exposed to inappropriate, serious or harmful content through various media outlets, such as television, radio and social media. What can we do, as caregivers, to help our youth process their thoughts and feelings about media content in a healthy way?

A 2023 survey conducted in the United States, found that teenagers spent an average of 4.8 hours on social media platforms every day. Girls spent nearly an hour more on social networks than boys, averaging 5.3 hours compared to 4.4 hours. Teens aged 13 to 19 preferred YouTube and TikTok, engaging with them for an average of 1.9 and 1.5 hours daily, respectively.

In general, boys spent more time on YouTube, while girls spent more time on TikTok (Statista Research Department 2024). These statistics show that youth spend a significant amount of time on media sites, which can often be biased, subjective and misleading.

While media can offer valuable resources, raise awareness about mental health, and provide current news, it can also negatively impact young people’s mental health and well-being. Open discussions about the content young people watch and read are important.

Read: Social Media Tips for Kids and Teens

How can caregivers help kids process self-harm and suicide content in media?

Caregivers, educators and mental health professionals must work together to reduce the stigma around mental health, self-harm and suicide.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), approximately 17 percent of adolescents aged 12 to 17 have engaged in self-harm at some point. The COVID-19 lockdown increased young people’s reliance on media, highlighting the need for greater awareness.

Since children’s brains do not fully develop until around age 25, we must listen to them nonjudgmentally, simplify difficult topics and address their questions and concerns. While we may not agree with everything our children say, it’s vital to validate their feelings and experiences.

How can self-harm and suicide content in media influence kids’ behaviors and attitudes?

Media includes various platforms and formats that provide information, entertainment and communication. Media categories include print media, broadcast media, digital media, streaming media, interactive media and advertising.

These media forms can influence perception, behavior and mental health, particularly among children and young audiences. Children constantly encounter information and often take what they see and hear at face value. They must have opportunities to process their feelings, ask questions and understand the content they encounter.

For example, the show 13 Reasons Why depicted a young girl discussing self-harm and suicide due to bullying, sparking controversy over the potential glamorization of these topics. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (2019), suicide attempts reportedly increased by 28 percent following the show’s premiere.

While some adults attempted to ban the show, the information remained easily accessible, fueling curiosity among youth.

Children also encounter self-harm content on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Discord, which can create a copycat effect. When children learn about suicide and self-harm through media, it presents an opportunity for caregivers and educators to discuss these issues with them.

As kids navigate their identities and seek connection through trending themes on platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat, they often feel comfortable sharing their deepest thoughts and fears with strangers, learning from the experiences of others.

Read: Making your home safe for a suicidal or self-harming child

What are the mental health effects of self-harm and suicide content in media on kids?

Media coverage of self-harm and suicide can deeply impact children’s mental and physical health. For instance, hearing about natural disasters or tragedies during car rides can weigh heavily on their minds, affecting their mood throughout the day.

How can open conversations help kids process self-harm and suicide content in media?

Caregivers must be mindful of the media content playing in cars and at home, especially during meals or study time. While we can’t shield children from all harmful information, we can engage them in conversations about its effects and help them process their understanding of what they hear.

Exposure to distressing media can lead to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, depression, anger, fear and emotional exhaustion for youth. There is a misconception that discussing topics like mental health, self-harm and suicide may plant harmful thoughts in children’s minds.

Open dialogue, however, can help kids process self-harm and suicide content in media in a way that minimizes negative effects.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that suicide was the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10 to 24 in 2021, highlighting the urgency of this concern. Additionally, children may experience sleep disturbances, nightmares and feelings of unsafety after encountering distressing media.

They might also normalize or glamorize harmful behaviors if they see role models engaging in them. Exposure to difficult news can create anxiety and confusion, making it challenging for children to know how to seek help. If they internalize their feelings, they risk becoming desensitized to serious topics and behaviors due to constant exposure.

Proactive measures to help kids process self-harm and suicide content in media

As children continually encounter sensitive topics through various media platforms, proactive measures can make a difference in how we help kids process self-harm and suicide content in the media.

Communication and education are essential for helping youth understand the potential impact of harmful information. Daily check-ins can foster healthy habits, providing a safe space for children to voice their questions, feelings and concerns about their schools, friendships, or news events.

What strategies can caregivers use to help kids process self-harm and suicide content in media?

It’s important to listen actively, allowing children to share their experiences before offering advice. Validate their feelings and gently correct any misinformation they may have encountered, all while maintaining a calm and nonjudgmental tone.

Remember to create an environment that encourages questions, where it’s okay not to have all the answers. Exploring those answers together can be empowering.

Finally, don’t forget to praise and positively reinforce your child for coming to you with their thoughts and for being open to discussing important topics. This support can strengthen your relationship and help them navigate their understanding of complex issues.

Seven actionable steps caregivers can take to help kids process self-harm and suicide content in media

1. Be mindful: Monitor what your child is listening to and watching
2. Monitor internet use: internet sites they are spending their time on.
3. Find time to check-in with your child: Take an interest in what they are doing and create a safe space for them to share things with you.  
4. Teach healthy boundaries: Go over boundaries regarding electronic device use and share guidelines about media to encourage positive coping skills.
5. Be honest: Be transparent with children when explaining things and try to answer their questions objectively in an age-appropriate manner.
6. Leverage technology: Look into helpful parent control apps where you can monitor safety-related issues that may arise.
7. Seek support if needed: If you notice changes in your child’s mood or behavior, such as disruptions in sleep, appetite or school/social engagement, seek mental health resources for support.

List of Caregiver Monitoring and Safety Applications

1. MamaBear App: Monitors your child’s location and online activity, helping ensure their safety both in the real world and on the internet.
2. Bark: Monitors texts, emails, YouTube and social media for signs of bullying, inappropriate content, threats or abuse, helping to keep children safe online
3. mSpy: Monitors electronic use to help protect children from safety-related risks by tracking activities across texts, calls, social media and more.
4. Checky: Monitors how many times you check your phone throughout the day to be self-aware of use.  
5. Screen Time App: Tracks and monitors screen time use, helping users develop bettertime managementhabits.
6. OurPact Child App: Helps families manage screen time and set boundaries for electronic use by creating personalized contracts between family members to promote accountability.

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Additional Resources

• Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ+ Suicide Hotline): (866) 488-7386
• OC-LINKS (Mental Health Resources): (855) 625-4657
• NAMI Warm Line (Emotional/Mental Health Support): (714) 991-6412

References

• Bridge, J. A., Greenhouse, J. B., Ruch, D., Stevens, J., Ackerman, J., Sheftall, A. H., Horowitz, L. M., Kelleher, K. J., & Campo, J. V. (in press). Association between the release of Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why and suicide rates in the United States: An interrupted times series analysis. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
• Statista Research Department. (2024, February 19). U.S. teens average time spent on social networks per day in 2023. Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1451257/us-teens-hours-spent-social-networks-per-day/
• Susi, K., Glover-Ford, F., Stewart, A., Knowles Bevis, R., & Hawton, K. (2023). Research review: Viewing self-harm images on the internet and social media platforms: Systematic review of the impact and associated psychological mechanisms. The Journal of Psychology and Psychiatry.