Why social media matters

• Rangatahi (young people) often turn to social media after a suicide to express grief, connect with others, and seek awhi / support. This is normal and can be helpful.
• Trusted adults play a role in guiding safe online kōrero (discussion) to reduce distress, prevent harmful content, and support healing.

Key principles for safe use of social media

Acknowledge the death with mana
• Be mindful of how the grieving whānau want the death to be talked about.
• Confirm the facts before posting and don't describe the method or location of death.
• Use mana-enhancing, hopeful and non-stigmatising language (e.g., “died by suicide”).

Promote pathways of support
• Always include contact details for immediate help such as crisis services and helplines.
• Share details for local support options for rangatahi, whānau, and schools.

Moderate online spaces
• Often online spaces are not moderated, and information can be inaccurate
• If creating online memorial pages, encourage thoughtful and respectful posts
• Remove harmful or unsafe comments (e.g., on method, blaming, glamorising).
• Encourage peers to report concerning content to adults they trust, directly to the platforms themselves or get support in managing this through Netsafe Aotearoa.

Encourage safe expressions of grief and mamae
• Promote posts that focus on positive memories, kotahitanga (solidarity), resilience and tautoko (support).
• Avoid online “contests” (e.g., who is most affected)

Reduce suicide-exposure impacts
• Repeated, detailed, or sensationalised posts can increase risk for others.
• Encourage balanced messaging: Acknowledging loss while reinforcing that help is available and recovery is possible.

Practical steps for supporting rangatahi/youth online

• Coordinate: Work with schools, clubs, whānau and rangatahi to develop safe messaging
• Model safe kōrero: Share examples of respectful, supportive and hopeful posts.
• Guide young people: Remind them to look after their own wellbeing when online.
• Report harmful or distressing content directly to the platforms, and to Netsafe NZ.
• Shift the algorithm: Encourage rangatahi to unfollow unhelpful content and search hopeful, hauora / well-being focused content.

Takeaway Message

Social media is here to stay and is a part of everyday life for rangatahi including their grief. Social media can be a powerful tool for healing after suicide. Use safe language, provide clear support options, and help rangatahi engage online in ways that protect both themselves and their peers.

These guidelines were adapted from #chatsafe resources: Orygen, Australia | #chatsafe