The following list gives indicators that
an person may be contemplating suicide. Many of these clues or signs could easily be expressed in material posted online.
The main points are material from SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). The italics show how
this information may be reflected in online activity:
- Threatening to hurt or kill oneself or talking about wanting to hurt
or kill self.
- Posting this kind of material online on a personal Web site or in a blog, or including these thoughts in electronic
messages.
- Looking for ways to kill oneself
by seeking access to firearms, pills or other means.
- Searching for information on methods to commit suicide on Web sites or
requesting information in online discussion groups.
- Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide when these actions are out of the ordinary for the person.
- Posting this kind
of material online on a personal Web site, in a blog or including these thoughts in electronic messages.
- Feeling hopeless.
- Feeling rage or uncontrolled anger or seeking revenge.
- Acting recklessly or engaging in risky activities- seemingly without thinking.
- Feeling trapped-like there is no way out.
- The preceding four feelings or activities
could be reflected in online postings or communications.
- Increasing use of alcohol or drugs
- Withdrawal
from friends, family and society.
- Signs of Internet addiction could be implicated in possible suicide behavior.
- Feeling anxious, agitated, or unable to sleep-or sleeping all the time.
- Experiencing dramatic mood changes.
- Seeing no reason for living or having no sense of purpose in life.
- The preceding three feelings could also
be reflected in online postings or communications.
Who is at risk for engaging in risky online behavior?
- Youth who are at risk in general.
The following is a list of traits in boys and
girls ages 10-17 who had formed close relationships with people they met on the Internet:
- Girls who had high levels of conflict with parents
- Girls who were highly troubled
- Boys who had low
level communication with parents
- Boys who were highly
troubled
Is it possible that these young people are looking for acceptance, caring, attention and love in
the wrong place? These youth are more vulnerable to predators in general.