Are there legal repercussions for encouraging self-harm on social media?
Yes, encouraging self-harm on social media can have legal repercussions. In Washington, it is against the law to advise, encourage, or aid any person in attempting suicide, as stated in Washington Revised Code 9A.36.060. This applies to posts made on any kind of social media platform. If a post online shows signs of someone being in crisis or encouraging suicide or self-harm, the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services will investigate. If the investigation finds that someone has encouraged or advised suicide, this person may face criminal charges. Encouraging self-harm on social media can also have consequences in terms of civil lawsuits. If someone is encouraged or advised to commit self-harm as a result of an online post, they or their family may be able to sue the person who made the post. In addition, social media networks such as Facebook and Twitter have terms of service that prohibit dangerous behavior including that which encourages self-harm. If someone is found to be in violation of these terms of service, they may be subject to sanctions such as having their account suspended or permanently banned. Given the potential legal repercussions, it is important to remember that social media posts can have serious consequences. Always be mindful of the language and content of your posts to ensure that you are not unintentionally encouraging self-harm.
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