Bullying and Suicide:
The relationship between bullying and suicide is complex. The media should avoid oversimplifying these issues and insinuating or directly stating that bullying can cause suicide. The facts tell a different story. It is not accurate and potentially dangerous to present bullying as the “cause” or “reason” for a suicide, or to suggest that suicide is a natural response to bullying.
- Research indicates that persistent bullying can lead to or worsen feelings of isolation, rejection, exclusion, and despair, as well as depression and anxiety, which can contribute to suicidal behavior.
- The vast majority of young people who are bullied do not become suicidal.
- Most young people who die by suicide have multiple risk factors.
- For more information on the relationship between bullying and suicide, read “The Relationship Between Bullying and Suicide: What We Know and What it Means for Schools” from the CDC.
Someone is feeling hopeless, helpless, thinking of suicide.
To talk to someone now:
- Call 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)
- Chat with Lifeline
- Visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- Call 1-888-628-9454
- Visit Ayuda en Español: Lifeline
For deaf/hard of hearing:
- Call 1-800-799-4889