Inside the secret world of teen suicide hashtags

Buzzfeed

Using special hashtags, some social media users are creating online spaces to share images and messages that promote self-harm. Companies like Tumblr and Instagram that have guidelines against promoting self-destructive behavior have taken steps to remove some of this content, and to intercept users of the hashtags with pop-up messages directing them to sites where they can find mental health support. Within the hashtag streams, other users post positive messages encouraging those in pain to hold on and to get help. Scottye Cash, a researcher at Ohio State University who has studied the role of technology in how teens cope with mental health issues, believes it is important to weigh the benefits of encouraging help-seeking against the danger of allowing the content to remain accessible. “We need to tell young adults that it’s OK to have some questions or to struggle,” Cash said. “The data is just so new. Teens are going faster than our research is.”

Spark Extra! Teens and young adults struggling with mental health issues might appreciate the “We Can Help Us”  campaign at Reachout.com.