Content warning: mentions of suicide
Today, we updated Tumblr’s self-harm policy in the User Guidelines, specifically to revise the language used around suicide. In a sentence in our self-harm policy, we replaced the term “commit” with “attempt,” which follows the guidance from mental health experts and organizations regarding how we talk about suicide. While this may seem like a small change, the power of language and its potential for harm cannot be understated. As noted by the Suicide Prevention Alliance, “to commit” an act may imply that a crime has taken place, and while the act of suicide may have been considered as a criminal offense in the past, this is no longer generally the case.
We recognize that referring to suicide in this way is not only outdated, it can be harmful and stigmatizing particularly for survivors and/or family members who may have lost a loved one to suicide. We believe it’s important to show compassion and sensitivity to others, including those in the Tumblr community who have been impacted by suicide in some way. The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that confronting and breaking down stigmas or taboos related to self-harm can play an important role in aiding suicide prevention worldwide—by raising awareness; facilitating open and healthy conversations; and helping to remove feelings of guilt or shame. This update is a small step, but one that we believe to be in the right direction toward positive change and growth.
Our revised self-harm policy now reads as follows:
Promotion or Glorification of Self-Harm. Don’t post content that actively promotes or glorifies self-harm. This includes content that urges or encourages others to: cut or injure themselves; embrace anorexia, bulimia, or other eating disorders; or attempt suicide rather than, e.g., seeking counseling or treatment, or joining together in supportive conversation with those suffering or recovering from depression or other conditions. Dialogue about these behaviors is incredibly important and online communities can be extraordinarily helpful to people struggling with these difficult conditions. We aim for Tumblr to be a place that facilitates awareness, support and recovery, and we will remove only those posts or blogs that cross the line into active promotion or glorification of self-harm.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, or if you just need someone to talk to, please consider reaching out to family and friends, and/or a counselor at one of the services listed on our Counseling and Prevention Resources page.
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