Suicide and self injury

Content that promotes self harm or is intended to shock or disgust users is not allowed on YouTube. We do allow users to post content discussing their experiences with depression, self harm, or other mental health issues.

What to do if you see this content

If you come across content in which someone expresses suicidal thoughts or is engaging in self harm, please contact local authorities and flag the video to bring it to our immediate attention. 

If you’re depressed or are having thoughts of suicide, you’re not alone. Need support? For free, confidential 24/7 support in the United States:

  • Call: 1-800-273-8255: The trained counselors at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline are available 24/7. The call is free and confidential. To learn more about the Lifeline, visit www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
  • Text: WELL to 741-741: Text with a trained crisis counselor through Crisis Text Line. Anonymous, free emotional support available 24/7. To learn more, visit www.crisistextline.org.
  • The website www.befrienders.org has an extensive list of suicide prevention organizations dedicated to helping those in need. Please visit this site if you are looking to talk with someone about your issues.
  • Google’s Good to Know also has a list of local organizations that can help.

To learn more:

  • Visit www.selfinjury.com: S.A.F.E Alternatives is a network and educational resource base committed to helping end self-injurious behavior.
  • Visit www.sioutreach.org: SiOS is an outreach initiative providing information and resources about self-injury to those who self-injure, those who have recovered, and those who want to help.

What this means for you

If you're posting content

YouTube users should not be afraid to speak openly about the topics of mental health or self harm. But please don’t post content on YouTube if it fits any of the descriptions noted below.

  • Promoting or glorifying suicide
  • Providing instructions on how to self harm or die by suicide
  • Graphic images of self harm posted to shock or disgust viewers

This policy applies to videos, video descriptions, comments, live streams, and any other YouTube product or feature. Please note this is not a complete list.

What happens when content violates this policy

If your content violates this policy, we’ll remove the content and send you an email to let you know. If this is the first time you’ve posted content that violates our Community Guidelines, you’ll get a warning with no penalty to your channel. If it’s not, we’ll issue a strike against your channel. Your channel will be terminated if you receive 3 strikes. You can learn more about our strikes system here.

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