The rise of digital harms among young adults is leading to tangible consequences in real life. Author Adele Zeynep Walton, in her book “Logging Off: The Human Cost of our Digital World,” recounts how her sister Aimee fell victim to the online world, ultimately leading to her tragic demise.
Statistics from the charity Papyrus reveal that suicide is the primary cause of death for individuals under 35 in the UK, with 1,840 young people in this age group taking their lives in 2023. Notably, young men constitute a significant portion of these figures.
Although suicide rates remained relatively steady from 2021 to 2023, the rates among males continue to surpass those among females. In England, the number of suicides among young men (1,068) was nearly three times higher than among young women (384) in 2023.
In 2023, young men accounted for 80% of suicides in individuals under 35 in Northern Ireland, underscoring the widespread nature of this issue among young people in the UK. Data from the 2025 NHS England’s Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey indicates a concerning increase in suicidal ideation and self-harm among 16 to 24-year-olds annually.
The prolonged wait times for NHS mental health support have dire implications. A report by YoungMinds reveals that 59% of young individuals experienced a deterioration in their mental health while awaiting assistance.
The delayed access to support services has driven many young people to seek mental health aid online. However, the online environment can exacerbate mental health issues, as evidenced by the tragic story of Adele’s sister.
Adele advocates for enhanced online safety measures following her sister Aimee’s passing, emphasizing the need for stricter controls. Aimee, like numerous young adults in the UK, grappled with deteriorating mental health exacerbated by her online interactions in pro-suicide forums.
Organizations such as the Molly Rose Foundation are campaigning for amendments to the Online Safety Act to safeguard young and vulnerable individuals from harmful online platforms. The Act, enacted in August 2024, aims to regulate internet services, ensuring a safer online environment in the United Kingdom, particularly for children.
For emotional support, contact the Samaritans 24-hour helpline at 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch, or access their website.