Journalists are being invited to attend an online seminar about the use of social media in the aftermath of suicides.

New research by the University of Hull revealed that discussions on social media can increase the risk of more suicides, particularly among young people.

Now journalists working in Humber and North Yorkshire are being invited to attend one of a series of webinars with the aim of preventing such ‘harmful’ social media discussions.

The webinars are being organised by the university in conjunction with the Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership.

Dr Jo Bell from the university’s School of Psychology and Social Work, said: “The way a suspected suicide is reported can have a significant bearing on the welfare of others who may be vulnerable and in crisis.

“While most reporting is generally responsible, it’s important media organisations apply similar rigour to their social media channels to prevent harmful discussion, address online speculation and curb false narratives.

“The webinars we are organising will be a useful refresher for journalists, who I believe can be an overwhelming force for good if they use their influence in the right way.”

Dr Bell was one of the co-author of a new report, Suspected Suicide and Social Media, which drew upon research she undertook with Dr Chris Westoby at the university between 2020 – 2023.

The research aimed to shed new light on how social media exposure to suspected suicides impacts on communities.

Its findings included:

● News of a suspected suicide spreads rapidly on social media.
● Multiple users often respond by sharing posts and speculating about the death, with both positive and negative effects.
● Discussions on social media can increase distress and the risk of more suicides, particularly among young people.
● Social media can also be used to manage trauma, ease grief, and reduce the risk of further suicides.

The first of the five one-hour webinars is on 20 May. More information can be found here.