Twitch’s content policies have been tightened in recent months, and this now includes mentions of self-harm. The livestreaming service has updated its Community Guidelines to include examples of unacceptable self-harm behavior.
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The new policy is intended to promote “meaningful conversation” about mental and physical health while preventing further harm.
Broadcasters can share stories about self-harm or suicide, but not in “graphic detail” or with suicide notes. According to Twitch, studies show that this could lead to similar thoughts in vulnerable people.
The updated policy also targets content that promotes eating disorders, such as unhealthy weight loss programs and attempts to glorify common eating disorder behaviors.
Twitch recently cracked down on usernames referencing hard drugs and sex, as well as creators who routinely spread misinformation.
Not long after, the Amazon brand introduced improved reporting tools to assist viewers in flagging inappropriate content, as well as a streamlined appeals process.
Twitch has dealt with abuse in the weeks since, but the company is clearly hoping that the policy changes will reduce the number of incidents in the future.
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The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number in the United States is 1-800-273-8255. Text HOME to 741741 (US), 686868 (Canada), or 85258 (International) to reach the Crisis Text Line (UK). For people living outside of those countries, Wikipedia maintains a list of crisis hotlines.
