Canada Launches #ChatSafe Guidelines to Foster Safe Online Discussions About Self-Harm and Suicide Among Youth

The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC), in collaboration with Orygen, the Australian not-for-profit specializing in youth mental health, has introduced the #ChatSafe guidelines. These guidelines are designed to help young people and their parents or caregivers communicate safely online about self-harm and suicide.

This initiative addresses the pressing need for safety in digital spaces, particularly given that approximately 1.6 million Canadian children and youth are diagnosed with mental health disorders annually. While social media poses risks to mental health, it also offers critical opportunities for connection, self-expression, and accessing health resources if used responsibly. The #ChatSafe guidelines aim to create a supportive online environment where young Canadians can safely engage with each other on these serious topics.

Michel Rodrigue, President & CEO of the MHCC, highlighted the dual nature of social media, emphasizing the potential for both harm and healing. “Social media has been linked to an increased risk of mental health challenges,” he said. “However, it also provides opportunities for connection, self-expression, and access to health information if engaged in a safe manner.”

The guidelines were initially launched in 2018 and have since been recognized globally, translated into 25 languages, and incorporated into the safety centres of numerous major social media platforms. The Canadian version will be available in both English and French, ensuring accessibility nationwide.

Professor Jo Robinson, Head of Suicide Research at Orygen, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “There’s never been more need to empower young people to talk safely online about self-harm and suicide, along with the parents and carers in their communities. Together, we hope to see a safer internet for young people and successful help-seeking for those at risk.”

The development and dissemination of the #ChatSafe guidelines are supported by funding from the Australian Government under the National Suicide Prevention Leadership and Support Program. They are part of a broader effort to enhance digital literacy and provide young people with the tools to manage their online behavior and emotions effectively.

These guidelines not only aim to mitigate the risks associated with digital interactions but also to empower young people to seek help and support safely. The MHCC continues to advocate for policy solutions to ensure that mental health services and digital literacy skills are accessible to all young Canadians, addressing a critical need in today’s digital age.