A Colorado family turns grief into action against toxic social media

Annalee Schott (Danja Barber Photography/Courtesy of Lori Schott)

If you or someone you know is in a crisis, call, text or chat the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. In Colorado, you can contact Colorado Crisis Services at 1-844-493-TALK (8255) or text TALK to 38255. If you need help with grief and loss, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offers advice and resources . You can also call the National SAMHSA Helpline , 1-800-662-HELP, with services in English and Spanish, toll free 24/7.

Editor’s note : This commentary discusses grief, loss and suicide.

“Anna was a sweet little cowgirl from eastern Colorado,” said Lori Schott about Annalee, her daughter.

Annalee Schott liked horses and dogs. She had an interest in the Humane Society.

She also spent a lot of time on TikTok. It was an addiction. The social media platform fed her a pernicious stream of material that exacerbated her anxiety and depression, never so much as when she viewed a live suicide online.

That’s why Annalee’s parents say TikTok bears responsibility for the death of their daughter, who took her own life in 2020 at 18.

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