Social media and self-harm: Study finds need for more control over content and safe spaces for connection and support

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There are increasing calls for tighter legislation and restrictions on social media use, particularly for children and young people. Evidence shows potential harms coexist on social media platforms alongside opportunities for crisis support and connection.

August 11, 2026

by Swansea University

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Now, researchers based at Swansea University's National Centre for Suicide Prevention and Self-Harm Research (NCSR) have been examining the issue by analyzing the views of social media users themselves.

Experts are concerned that extensive restrictions could remove supportive spaces from those who need them most. Current evidence on the impact of restrictions remains sparse, with early evaluations of the ban in Australia indicating that roughly eight in 10 children were still using social media. Therefore, more evidence is required to understand how to create safe online spaces.

The team believes this is the first study to gain the perspectives of individuals with a history of self-harm on social media safety features.

For their research, they conducted a survey of more than 5,000 respondents, as well as in-depth interviews with 17 people—most with a history of self-harm and all of whom had viewed self-harm content online. The team asked about experiences of self-harm and suicide content, the increased restrictions and safety messaging introduced by some platforms in 2019, as well as specific safety features.

Their findings, which have just been published by the Journal of Medical Internet Research, included:

Dr. Amanda Marchant, the study's first author, said, "While restrictions may reduce harmful content, they may also unintentionally limit recovery narratives and community support. There needs to be ongoing evaluation to ensure there are supportive environments while still minimizing harm. As well as changes for safety, we should also be optimizing social media as an opportunity for signposting, reducing stigma and creating supportive communities."

The researchers are calling for restrictions and policies to be developed with young people and those with lived experience and then thoroughly trialed before being implemented.

They say analyzing any restrictions and features is essential so platforms can continue to improve and create safe spaces while mitigating potential harms.

Professor Ann John, senior author and director of NCSR, said, "There is a lot of uncertainty in the current evidence base on social media bans for under-16s, with the potential for unintended consequences, including reduced access to supportive spaces, isolation and pushing young people to darker, more concealed spaces on the internet.

"Bans mean children and young people are less likely to discuss their social media experiences or any concerns with trusted adults. They are also difficult to implement. Online interventions should be co-designed, tested and evaluated before mass rollout."

Marchant added, "Almost 90% of survey respondents said they wanted more personal control over what they view, highlighting that controls need to be easy to use and intuitive. This would increase young people's agency online and can be implemented by platform providers."

Amanda Marchant et al, Experiences of Social Media Platforms' Policies and Restrictions Related to Self-Harm Content: Mixed Methods Study, Journal of Medical Internet Research (2026). DOI: 10.2196/73343

Journal information: Journal of Medical Internet Research

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