Self-harm
KMS
Risk flagKill myself — a coded way to express suicidal ideation or express extreme frustration.
How kids use it
Common across TikTok, Instagram DMs, Snapchat, and text; used by ages 10-16, often appears in joke contexts but can indicate genuine distress.
Is “KMS” something to worry about?
Treat "KMS" 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.