YouTube places a strong emphasis on the health, safety, and well-being of creators and viewers. Discussions around mental health, depression, self-harm, suicide, and eating disorders can be important and supportive when handled responsibly. Creators are generally allowed to share personal experiences and educational content related to these topics.
However, YouTube does not permit content that promotes, glorifies, or encourages suicide, self-harm, or eating disorders, especially when the content may shock viewers or create a serious risk of harm. In certain situations, exceptions may apply for educational, documentary, scientific, artistic, or public-interest purposes.
If You Encounter Harmful Content
If someone appears to be in immediate danger, contact local emergency services as soon as possible. Harmful content can also be reported directly through YouTube’s reporting tools.
People negatively affected by mental health–related content are encouraged to seek support from trusted professionals, crisis lines, or mental health organizations.
What This Means for Creators
Creators may discuss mental health topics in supportive and informative ways, but they should avoid uploading content that includes or promotes:
- Encouragement or glorification of suicide, self-harm, or eating disorders
- Instructions explaining how to self-harm, attempt suicide, or hide eating disorders
- Graphic depictions of self-harm injuries or suicide victims
- Content targeting minors with harmful mental health themes
- Suicide challenge content or dangerous viral trends
- Weight-based bullying connected to eating disorders
- Suicide notes or disturbing imagery presented without proper context
- Graphic or sensationalized portrayals intended to shock viewers
This policy applies across videos, livestreams, comments, descriptions, external links, and all other YouTube features.
Content That May Receive Restrictions
Some content discussing suicide, self-harm, or eating disorders may remain on the platform with restrictions or warning labels if it includes:
- Detailed discussions of suicide methods or locations
- Graphic descriptions of self-harm
- Recovery discussions that may contain triggering details
- Dramatic reenactments, films, video games, or scripted depictions
- Public-interest or educational discussions presented responsibly
YouTube may apply age restrictions, warning screens, or supportive crisis-resource panels depending on the context and severity of the material.
Recommended Best Practices for Creators
Creators discussing sensitive mental health topics are encouraged to:
- Focus on recovery, prevention, and support
- Use calm and non-sensational language
- Avoid describing suicide methods in detail
- Blur graphic imagery when necessary
- Respect the privacy of victims and families
- Include crisis support resources in videos and descriptions
- Avoid overly graphic visuals or dramatic presentation styles
For eating disorder–related content, creators are encouraged to emphasize recovery and the health consequences of the disorder rather than specific harmful behaviors.
Examples of Violations
Examples of content that may violate this policy include:
- Videos encouraging self-harm or suicide
- Tutorials explaining dangerous methods
- Graphic imagery of injuries or suicide victims without sufficient context
- Viral “challenge” content involving self-harm
- Content promoting eating disorders or extreme unhealthy behavior
- Material targeting vulnerable viewers or minors with harmful messaging
These are only examples and do not represent every possible violation.
What Happens if the Policy Is Violated
If content violates these guidelines, YouTube may remove the content and notify the creator. Unsafe external links may also be removed, and videos containing policy-violating URLs may be taken down entirely.
First-time violations often result in a warning. Some creators may be offered policy training that allows the warning to expire after 90 days. Repeated violations during that period may result in strikes.
Channels receiving three strikes within 90 days may be terminated. Severe or repeated abuse may also result in immediate suspension or permanent removal from the platform. Access to livestreaming features may additionally be restricted if a creator appears likely to broadcast policy-violating material.
Viewer Warnings and Support Features
YouTube may place notices or support panels on videos discussing suicide or self-harm. These can include:
- Warning screens before playback
- Crisis support resources and hotline information
- Links to mental health assistance organizations
These measures are intended to help protect viewers and encourage access to support resources when needed.
