TRIGGER WARNING: A graphic video of a man committing suicide is circulating across social media channels today, most notably on the controversial video network, TikTok.
On Sunday night, clips of a suicide that had been live-streamed on Facebook circulated on other platforms, including TikTok. Although TikTok is attempting to remove the disturbing footage, it is being leaked and shared across other social platforms including Twitter, YouTube, Snapchat and Instagram. The video is also said to be hidden behind videos of cats.
Experts have now issued an urgent warning to those who have children using social media: Stay offline until it’s resolved.
TikTok suicide video
In the video, a 33-year-old US man shoots himself in the head with a gun while on a Facebook LIVE. Since then the footage has made its way onto TikTok in various videos.
We are not going to share the footage here as this is not something anyone needs to see. However, below is a photo of the man just so you are aware of what to watch out for.
We have also shared a warning from TikTok user @Alluring Skull who does show a few images of the upsetting video in the background (nothing graphic).
@alluringskull
Why can’t TikTok remove the video?
The live-stream footage of the suicide is offline now, but the issue is that it can be difficult to remove all videos that contain this footage.
The man’s name is currently trending on TikTok. Many TikTik users have also stated that the video has been recommended to them through the “For You” section on TikTok.
Another concern is that, like the MoMo challenge, the footage is often embedded into innocent videos, causing distress and shock in users.
A TikTok spokesperson said: “On Sunday night, clips of a suicide that had been livestreamed on Facebook circulated on other platforms, including TikTok.
“Our systems have been automatically detecting and flagging these clips for violating our policies against content that displays, praises, glorifies, or promotes suicide.
“We are banning accounts that repeatedly try to upload clips, and we appreciate our community members who’ve reported content and warned others against watching, engaging, or sharing such videos on any platform out of respect for the person and their family.
“If anyone in our community is struggling with thoughts of suicide or concerned about someone who is, we encourage them to seek support, and we provide access to hotlines directly from our app and in our Safety Centre.”
Do not allow teens on the app
Cybersafety expert Susan McLean suggests,
Please ensure you do not allow your older teens on the app today, if they have it. Check in with your kids today. They most likely will know about it. It is also being hidden behind cat videos as well.”
A TikTok spokeswoman confirmed,
Our systems have been automatically detecting and flagging these clips for violating our policies against content that displays, praises, glorifies, or promotes suicide.
We are banning accounts that repeatedly try to upload clips, and we appreciate our community members who’ve reported content and warned others against watching, engaging, or sharing such videos on any platform out of respect for the person and their family.
If anyone in our community is struggling with thoughts of suicide or concerned about someone who is, we encourage them to seek support. We provide access to hotlines directly from our app and in our Safety Centre.”
TikTok is one of the most popular video platforms for tweens and teens so knowing this type of footage is floating around is worrisome.
Parents, please consider following the parenting experts’ advice on this one and keep your kids off TikTok for the time being.
Other TikTok trends to be aware of
This isn’t the first time TikTok and other social media outlets have circulated something unfitting for our children. Please have a read of:
