Mental Health Foundation warns of harrowing TikTok video

Warning: This article is about suicide and it could be distressing for some people.

The Mental Health Foundation has issued a warning to Kiwi parents and caregivers for a harrowing video circulating on social media.

Images that appear to show a man dying by suicide have been shared on TikTok, a social media platform, and copied and shared on other social media platforms as well.

The Foundation’s executive director, Shaun Robinson, said there was “no reason whatsoever” to share the disturbing video.

“Please do not share this video under any circumstances,” he said in a statement.

“And don’t share websites or places where it can be found. It puts vulnerable people at extremely high risk for real harm.”

TikTok was working to remove the footage, but it had been copied and shared elsewhere.

Anyone who may be affected by the video is urged to take a few days off from TikTok and other social media platforms, where it can continue to share for the next few days.

The social media platform is particularly popular with young people.

Chief Censor David Shanks says parents need to be aware of this video so they can help their tamariki be safe and avoid watching it.

“Social media platforms are working to remove this harmful and disturbing video, but some people upload and spread it intentionally,” he said.

“Popular videos can appear on people’s home pages without being searched and without warning.

“We all have a role to play in not amplifying and spreading this harmful video more. Even well-intentioned posts expressing sadness give it more traction. Some people post the video in the comments of these posts.”

Jared Mullen, director of digital security for the Department of Internal Affairs, strongly encouraged people not to watch the video.

“If you see this video or any harmful material online, you can help eliminate it by reporting the incident to the online platform that it is hosted on,” he said.

“All social media platforms have a complaints feature that you can follow.”

A TikTok user told the Herald that he came across the video after it was suggested by the app.

He was surprised that the “disgusting” video was still online and said it was disturbing to watch, as many young people regularly used the platform.

“I don’t know how even a bot would have detected that, it shouldn’t be online,” he said.

Tips for parents

Robinson said he was very concerned that young people were becoming increasingly aware of the video, with many well-intentioned attempts to warn followers not to inadvertently share the video, raising awareness of the video’s existence, and comment sections that share links to websites where the video can still be found.

“Suicide is contagious behavior and we are deeply concerned that this video is being shared,” he said.

“Viewers are likely to feel considerably distressed after viewing the video. As it may have been widely viewed, the foundation has decided to speak up and ask parents, caregivers, and other youth supporters to take proactive steps to control youth. young people and anyone who may be at risk of suicide. “

There is no evidence that anyone in New Zealand harmed themselves as a result of the video, but it was a risk the foundation had to know and respond to, Robinson said.

“Young people know and talk about this video. Some may be distressed by it, others may be intrigued and looking for ways to find it,” he said.

Young people use social media differently from adults and will almost inevitably encounter material related to mental health, self-harm and suicide, he said.

“As adults, it is our job to make sure they are supported to speak out about the things that concern them and access the help they need.”

Robinson urged parents and caregivers to closely monitor their children’s social media, particularly at this time, while the video may still be circulating.

“Video doesn’t need to be mentioned, but it’s never a bad time to sign up,” he said.

“It is up to us to bridge the gaps between the adults and the Rangatahi and make sure that we are there to help.”

“Social media can be very positive for many young people; banning it is not the answer. We need to make sure that young people feel they can safely talk to the adults in their lives about distressing things they have seen or heard without fear of punishment. or lose access to social networks. “

Netsafe CEO Martin Cocker said the resources were available for parents and teachers on the organization’s website.

“Sometimes young people can find things they never intended to see online,” he said.

“If tamariki are exposed to something that bothers them, it can be difficult to know how to handle this situation, so we have developed tips to support parents and schools.”

People who want to support a young person who has been exposed to disruptive content can find advice on the Netsafe website, as well as information on how to keep tamariki safe online.

Where to get help

If it is an emergency and you feel that you or someone else is at risk, call 111.

• Lifeline: 0800 543 354, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Helpline for suicide crisis: 0508 828 865 (0508 SUPPORT), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Youth services: (06) 3555 906
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787, available from 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
• Helpline for depression: 0800 111 757, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• Helpline: 1737