Finland is updating its suicide prevention treatment recommendations in response to the dangers posed by social media, including bullying and violent challenges.
In Finland, authorities are taking action to address the rising risks of suicidal thoughts among children and teenagers due to challenges posed by social media. New treatment recommendations, part of the nationwide Käypä hoito guidelines, will include updated information regarding bullying, harmful challenges, and the allure of violent actions on social media platforms. According to Sami Pirkola, a professor of social psychiatry at the University of Tampere and chair of the working group, the influence of social media cannot be ignored.
The revised guidelines will incorporate evidence that indicates a concerning trend where young individuals, particularly those who engage with social media, smartphones, and video games heavily since the age of ten, are at a greater risk of developing suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Pirkola highlights that increased exposure to online bullying significantly elevates the risks associated with self-harm amongst the youth. The recommendations aim to better equip healthcare providers to understand and mitigate these risks by expanding their knowledge of the relationship between social media usage and suicidal behavior.
Additionally, the updates will bring attention to severe, violent online communities that exist globally, which can further influence vulnerable individuals. The hope is that by informing practitioners about these dangers and providing them with comprehensive guidelines, they will be able to intervene more effectively to protect young people from the adverse impacts of social media-related influences on mental health.
