08 Sep 2020
Dear parents/carers,
The eSafety Commissioner has made us aware of distressing reports about a video of a suicide circulating social media platforms.
eSafety has contacted social media companies about the reports and will continue working with them to monitor the situation.
Please refer to the advice below:
- We are encouraging people who encounter this content to report it to the social media platform they’ve seen it on, or to eSafety at www.esafety.gov.au/report/illegal-harmful-content.
- Our Artarmon staff have been encouraged NOT to raise this issue with students. We do not want to draw undue attention to the video as it may cause unnecessary worry or distress.
- As always, staff will be vigilantly monitoring students online interactions at school.
- We advise parents/carers to keep their children off social media for the next couple of days.
- If a life is in danger call Triple Zero (000) right now.
- Please encourage anyone who may be at risk or experiencing emotional distress, including worried family and friends, to contact one of the following services:
- Kids Helpline. 1800 55 1800. Phone support is there all day, every day. Online support is open from 8am - midnight every day (AEST).
- Suicide Callback Service. 1300 659 467. Phone support all day, every day, and follow-up calls.
- eHeadspace. 1800 650 890. Open 9am - 1am daily (AEST)
- Lifeline. 13 11 14. Phone support all day, every day. Online support 7pm - 4am daily (AEST).
- Beyondblue. 1300 22 4636. Phone support all day, every day. Online support 3pm - midnight every day.
This advice is provided for your information, it is important that parents are vigilant around social media. We do not wish for our students to be seeking this video out.
Thank you for your support
Jono Coombes
Relieving Principal