A set of online safety guidelines that cover suicide, self-harm and mental health have been tailored to Bermuda — the first small island to localise the model, the Government announced.

The Ministry of Health, supported by the Bermuda College and Orygen, an Australian-based youth mental health research and innovation organisation, launched #ChatSafe Bermuda.

Guidance includes how to post safely, respond to others in distress, use respectful language and connect people to support.

Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, said: “The Ministry of Health is committed to fostering a culture of compassion, understanding and support for our youth.

“Bermuda strengthens that commitment by helping families, schools and peers navigate difficult conversations in ways that can truly save lives.”

Resources will be available digitally and in print for students, teachers and parents, with school-based workshops and assemblies planned from November.

Professor Jo Robinson, the head of suicide research at Orygen, which originally developed the ChatSafe guidelines, said: “Now more than ever, it’s vital we equip young people with the tools they need to talk safely online about self-harm and suicide, and by working together we can help make the internet a safe place for young Bermudians and encourage those who are struggling to reach out for support.”

The ministry has also partnered with wellness service Simply Bloom, owned and operated by Chardonaé Rawlins, to deliver a digital wellness guide tailored to Bermuda’s needs.

Ms Rawlins said: “As digital spaces continue to shape how young people connect, learn and express themselves, it is essential that families feel supported in navigating both the opportunities and challenges they present.

“Together, we are working to ensure young people are not only safe online but supported to thrive.”

The work builds on findings from Bermuda’s 2022 National Adolescent Mental Health Survey, which highlighted both the prevalence of mental health challenges and young people’s reliance on online spaces for support.

“ChatSafe Bermuda is a direct response to what our young people told us,” said Daniel Cavanagh, a chief researcher at Bermuda College for the Youth Mental Health Plan.

“They want more education about mental health.

“This partnership gives them the tools to have conversations about mental health safely and with confidence.”

The resources were launched last month and will be distributed through schools, community partners and public awareness campaigns.