Self-Harm & Suicide Prevention Policy

1. Policy Purpose & Duty of Care

Friendium recognizes that online platforms can play a role in both harm and healing. This policy establishes Friendium’s duty of care toward users experiencing emotional distress, suicidal ideation, or self-harming behavior. Our goal is prevention, early intervention, and connection to appropriate support resources.

2. Scope of Application

This policy applies to all content and interactions on Friendium, including:

• Posts, comments, replies, and captions
• Private messages and group conversations
• Profile bios, photos, usernames, and cover images
• Live content, events, and community spaces
• Off-platform behavior that presents credible on-platform risk

3. Definitions

For the purposes of this policy:

• Self-harm refers to intentional injury to oneself, regardless of intent to die.
• Suicidal ideation refers to thoughts, statements, or expressions about ending one’s life.
• Non-accidental self-injury (NSSI) includes behaviors such as cutting, burning, or self-poisoning.

4. Prohibited Content

Friendium prohibits content that may encourage, normalize, or instruct self-harm or suicide, including:

• Encouragement or validation of self-harming behavior
• Instructions, methods, or optimization of self-harm or suicide
• Graphic depictions of self-injury or suicide attempts
• Challenges, dares, or group-based encouragement of harm
• Romanticization or glorification of suicide or self-harm

5. Vulnerable Expression & Allowed Context

Friendium allows certain expressions of distress when shared for support, recovery, or awareness purposes. These may include:

• Personal recovery stories
• Seeking emotional support or help
• Discussion of mental health struggles without graphic detail
• Educational or awareness-based content

Even permitted content may be subject to visibility limitations or safety interventions.

6. Crisis Detection & Risk Signals

Friendium may identify high-risk signals such as:

• Statements indicating intent or imminent risk
• Expressions of hopelessness, isolation, or farewell messaging
• Escalating patterns of distress
• Reports from other users indicating concern

7. Intervention Measures

When high-risk content is identified, Friendium may take one or more of the following actions:

• Immediate content removal or restriction
• Temporary account limitations
• Direct outreach with crisis support resources
• Prominent display of local or international helplines
• Escalation to trained safety specialists

8. Emergency Escalation

In cases of imminent risk to life, Friendium may escalate matters to emergency services or law enforcement, consistent with applicable law and privacy requirements. Preservation of evidence may occur for safety and legal reasons.

9. Community Responsibilities

Users are encouraged to:

• Report concerning content promptly
• Avoid providing advice that could cause harm
• Respond with empathy rather than judgment
• Direct individuals toward professional help

10. Repeat Violations & Harmful Patterns

Accounts that repeatedly post prohibited self-harm content or encourage others to engage in harmful behavior may be permanently removed from the platform.

11. Appeals Process

Users may appeal enforcement actions. However, safety considerations take precedence over expressive intent. Decisions involving imminent risk may not be reversible.

12. Data Handling & Privacy

Sensitive mental-health related data is handled with heightened confidentiality. Disclosure is limited to what is legally required or necessary to prevent harm.

13. Regulatory & Medical Disclaimer

Friendium is not a medical provider. Content moderation and crisis interventions do not replace professional diagnosis or treatment. This policy complies with applicable online safety and mental health regulations.

14. Global Resources

Friendium may display regionally appropriate crisis resources, including suicide prevention hotlines, emergency numbers, and mental health organizations.

15. Contact

Emergency & Safety: emergency@friendium.com
Privacy & Compliance: privacy@nexa-group.org