Every child suicide is a tragedy, with far-reaching consequences for families, communities, and society as a whole. It is one of the leading causes of death in young people, with a rate of 1.8 per 100,000 9-17 year olds. As professionals involved in the investigation of child deaths, paediatricians frequently encounter concerns about the influence of the internet, but little research exists, despite calls for greater safety online and the Online Safety Act 2023.

This NCMD research paper addresses concerns raised by clinicians who often feel that these issues fall outside their remit. We explore the red flags of online interactions and intersectional risk factors.