Online Harms

Though other news may of course take precedence, we wanted to let you know that there may be an increase in media coverage relating to online self-harm and suicide related content this autumn.

We have seen in the past that any coverage including well-meaning notices (like this one) have the potential to increase harmful searches. So, although we felt it was important to share this with you, we acknowledge that we must all consider how we safely share these messages without increasing the potential for concern and anxiety in young people or their families, especially in the coming weeks.

An inquest into the tragic death of 14 year old Molly Rose in 2017 began on 20th September 2022. The work of the Russell Family (and their organisation the Molly Rose Foundation) over the past four years has led to this milestone inquest that will seek to determine the cause of Molly’s death and the role (if any) that social media platforms played. It will likely bring the debate around online harms into focus once more.

As a community of organisations working in this space, including The OLLIE FoundationSHOUT, UK Safer Internet Centre, R;pple, Samaritans, YoungMinds and the Molly Rose Foundation, we recommend that schools have conversations throughout the year about online use, how students can stay safe online as well as the support options that are available to them.

Beyond also recommends that, where compatible, all devices in your setting (including those coming into your premises) have the R;pple tool downloaded. This AI tool that aims to disrupt harmful online searches, is free to families, students, and educational settings and redirects individuals to mental health support.

We have collaborated with some of our peers across the suicide prevention space to bring you the attached information and guidance around online safety. We hope you find it useful and that it complements and supports everything you already have in place to address young people’s online safety.

The All of Us Schools’ Campaign is a pioneering education campaign aiming to enhance the well-being of children and young adults. Through our animated films and bespoke education programme, we tackle current issues affecting the lives of the younger generation. The All of Us Schools’ Campaign is a Women’s Interfaith Network Project and is funded by the great generosity of Dangoor Education.

Donate

Login

Lost your password?

Basket

Your basket is currently empty.