The suicide of a student nurse, Bronwen Morgan, has sparked a call from her parents for the closure of suicide websites to prevent further loss of young lives. Bronwen, 26, was tragically found unresponsive in a hotel room in Cardiff in August 2020. Her parents believe that she was influenced by a suicide website, which has now been blocked. The coroner at her inquest has urged the UK and Welsh governments to take action to make it more difficult to access such websites. One site that Bronwen had visited has already been blocked by UK broadband providers, following an investigation that linked it to 50 deaths. Bronwen’s parents expressed shock and anger upon discovering the disturbing and encouraging messages their daughter had received on the website. They are now campaigning for the closure of these harmful sites and for improved mental health support for young people.
Bronwen had been diagnosed with an emotionally unstable personality disorder in 2019 and had made multiple attempts to take her own life. Her family felt helpless and lacked the support they needed during this difficult period. The attempts became more serious over time, and it became clear that they were not merely cries for help. The family was caught in a cycle of despair, with no knowledge of where to turn for assistance. On the night of Bronwen’s suicide, her family was prepared for another visit to the emergency room, as had become routine for them. However, this time, their worst fears were realized, and she could not be resuscitated.
It was only after Bronwen’s death that her family discovered the websites she had been visiting. They were shocked by the content they found, which actively encouraged others to take their lives and provided detailed instructions on various methods. The family was unaware that such sites even existed, but they now realize the danger they pose, particularly to vulnerable individuals. The family believes that without the information Bronwen received from the website, she would still be alive today. They emphasize the need to take these sites seriously and to take proactive measures to prevent further harm.
At the inquest into Bronwen’s death, the coroner expressed concern that more lives may be lost as a result of these suicide forums. He submitted a report to the UK and Welsh governments, urging them to take action. Bronwen’s parents are now campaigning for the closure of more sites and for improved mental health support for young people through their charity, Bronwen’s Wish. They acknowledge that shutting down all the sites may be wishful thinking, but they are determined to make a positive impact in the mental health field. Despite their efforts, they continue to experience the heartbreak of losing their daughter and miss her every day.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues or is affected by the topics discussed in this article, there are organizations available to provide help and support. Please refer to the BBC Action Line for more information.