One Click Away: a study on the prevalence of non-suicidal self injury, suicide, and eating disorder content accessible by search engines - Ofcom

About Ofcom

Ofcom is the regulator for the communications services that we use and rely on each day.

Internet-based services

As people communicate seamlessly online and offline, we now need to invest our efforts into making digital communications work for everyone

Media use and attitudes

Ofcom wants to understand how adults and children in the UK use media.

Online safety

Under the Online Safety Act, Ofcom's job is to make online services safer for the people who use them. We make sure companies have effective systems in place to protect users from harm.

Phones and broadband

Ofcom is committed to a thriving telecoms sector, where companies can compete fairly and customers benefit from a broad range of services.

Post

Ofcom's job is to make sure there is a universal postal service.

Spectrum

You can't see or feel radio spectrum, but we use it every day. Our job is to authorise and manage the use of spectrum in the UK.

TV, radio and on-demand

We make sure that broadcasters provide quality TV, radio and on-demand programmes that appeal to diverse audiences. We also have rules in place to protect viewers and listeners from harm.
Advice for businesses

How to make the most of communications services as a small business.

Advice for consumers

How to make the most of the services you use, and deal with problems.

Consultations and statements

Proposals we are consulting on and decisions we've made.

Enforcement

How we make sure companies follow our rules, to protect customers and promote competition.

Information for industry

Rules, guidance and other information for the industries we regulate.

Licence information

If you're looking to use certain radio equipment, or broadcast on TV or radio, you'll need a licence from Ofcom.

News and updates

Our latest news, features, views and information about our work.

Research, statistics and data

Evidence we gather to inform our work as a regulator.
Complaints
- Ofcom may be able to help you complain about or report issues relating to: phone, broadband and postal services; TV, radio and on-demand programmes; interference to wireless devices; or something you have seen on an online service, website or app.
- The types of complaint we deal with
- Get in touch by phone or post
Licences
- You need a licence from Ofcom if you’re looking to use certain radio equipment (like amateur or ships radio), or broadcast on TV or radio.
- Help with your spectrum licence
- Help with your broadcast licence

Cymraeg

Online safety Illegal and harmful content Research, statistics and data

Published: 31 January 2024

Ofcom has commissioned the Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI) to investigate the prevalence of self-injurious content in search platform results.

Their report presents findings on trends and patterns in online content that promote three specific types of self-injurious behaviour: non-suicidal self-injury (for example, cutting), suicide and eating disorders.

Read the report: "One Click Away: a study on the prevalence of non-suicidal self injury, suicide, and eating disorder content accessible by search engines" (PDF, 1.2 MB)

Related content

Understanding online communications among children

Research into how children communicate online and the scale and nature of any unwanted contact. Also looks at how children communicate while gaming and using apps designed to connect them to new people.

Functionality of online pornography services

The British Board of Film Classification has carried out research into online pornography services, focusing on the way pornographic content is published and displayed and how easily it can be accessed.

Barriers to proving age on adult sites

How UK internet users aged 16+ experience accessing pornographic content online and passing any age checks if encountered.