@article{ref1,
title="Online harms? Suicide-related online experience: a UK-wide case series study of young people who die by suicide",
journal="Psychological medicine",
year="2022",
author="Rodway, C. and Tham, S. G. and Richards, N. and Ibrahim, S. and Turnbull, P. and Kapur, N. and Appleby, L.",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined online experience by young people who die by suicide. <br><br>METHODS: A 3-year UK-wide consecutive case series of all young people aged 10-19 who died by suicide, based on national mortality data. We extracted information on the antecedents of suicide of 544 of these 595 deaths (91%) from official investigations, mainly inquests. <br><br>RESULTS: Suicide-related online experience was reported in 24% (n = 128/544) of suicide deaths in young people between 2014 and 2016, equivalent to 43 deaths per year, and was more common in girls than boys (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.23-2.85, p = 0.003) and those identifying as LGBT (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.10-5.05, p = 0.028). Searching for information about method was most common (n = 68, 13%), followed by posting suicidal ideas online (n = 57, 10%). Self-harm, bereavement (especially by suicide), social isolation, and mental and physical ill-health were more likely in those known to have suicide-related online experience compared to those who did not. 29 (5%) were bullied online, more often girls (OR 2.84, 1.34-6.04, p = 0.007). Online bullying often accompanied face-to-face bullying (n = 16/29, 67%). <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Suicide-related online experience is a common, but likely underestimated, antecedent to suicide in young people. Although its causal role is unclear, it may influence suicidality in this population. Mental health professionals should be aware that suicide-related online experience - not limited to social media - is a potential risk for young patients, and may be linked to experiences offline. For public health, wider action is required on internet regulation and support for children and their families.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0033-2917",
doi="10.1017/S0033291722001258",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0033291722001258"
}