Self-harmIs “CTB” something to worry about? More Self-harm terms
CTB
Risk flagCatch the bus — a coded phrase for committing suicide, used in online communities dedicated to self-harm.
How kids use it
Found in pro-self-harm Discord servers, Reddit forums (like r/sanctioned communities), and private group chats; normalized in isolation-prone online communities.
Treat "CTB" as real until you know otherwise. Kids often talk about distress in coded or joking language first — the cost of taking it seriously and being wrong is a slightly awkward conversation; the cost of dismissing it and being wrong is much higher.
- Ask directly and calmly. Naming it doesn’t plant the idea — that’s a myth.
- If there’s any indication of intent: the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) is free and 24/7.
- Loosen the late-night phone window — distress content hits hardest alone at 2am.