Arizona Bill Would Make Social Media Encouragement of Minor Suicide Felony Manslaughter
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A bill advancing through the Arizona Legislature would classify encouraging a minor to kill themselves on social media as felony manslaughter if they die.
The legislation, approved unanimously by state senators on Wednesday, adds social media activity to the state's existing prohibition on advising or encouraging someone to commit suicide.
A Family's Pain Becomes Law
The bill is supported by a family whose son, Cade, died by suicide in 2022. His mother, Megan Keller, told lawmakers that her son's friends knew he planned to kill himself but took no action.
"Not one person did anything," Keller said.
She said Cade's peers were asked why no one notified the 988 suicide crisis line, 911 or a parent.
"They said, 'Megan, we didn't believe him,'" Keller said.
Manslaughter is a Class 2 felony in Arizona. The bill would apply only to an adult communicating with a minor.
Limits on Scope
But in a case like Cade's, a group hearing a friend's intention to commit suicide and not reporting it isn't covered by the bill. And if all the people involved are also under 18, any advice or encouragement to commit suicide wouldn't meet the requirement to bring manslaughter charges.
The legislation specifically targets adults who encourage minors to attempt or complete suicide through social media platforms. It does not criminalize the failure to report concerns or protect minors who encourage other minors.
Existing Protections
In Arizona, it is already illegal to advise or encourage someone to commit suicide. The new law clarifies how these protections apply in the digital age where social media has become a primary method for communication among youth.
The bill adds specificity around online encouragement, recognizing that social media platforms have created new ways for suicide ideation to spread and for minors to seek out encouragement from adults.
Support for Mental Health Resources
If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, there is help. Contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 (en Español, llame al 988, prensa 2; for Deaf and Hard of Hearing, dial 711 then 988). You may also contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.