The launch of the Australian Suicide Prevention Foundation's latest campaign may have been modest, but its message is profound.
"Did you know that suicide is responsible for the loss of more young people than car accidents? That's eight lives per week," a promotional video told attendees.
The new campaign encourages young Victorians to make minute-long films surrounding the theme "you are not alone", aimed at combating online negativity, bullying and social pressures.
They will be uploaded to a moderated website and shared on social media.
One of the program's creators, psychiatrist David Horgan, said short films were an obvious choice when considering the best way to access young people's true thoughts on suicide prevention.
"They have ways of transmitting a message that strikes people with an impact and are memorable. That's exactly what we want."
Student Nick Neales, who attended the launch, admitted there is irony in the fact social media, often a cause of harm among teenagers, will now be used to treat it.
"I know it can be really life-changing. That's why people sometimes do commit suicide is for that online bullying, because the bullies have that sort of humanity taken out of it, I guess, because there's that screen in the way."
But after going through what he admits were some "tough times" himself, the Albert Park College captain said the program has the potential to make a difference.
"It's so easy just to flick past a minute film that you have a watch, and you actually take it on, rather than being lectured down to or seeing it in another form that you don't really pay attention to."
The program begins in July and, if successful, will be rolled out nationally in 2019.
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 and Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 (for young people aged 5 to 25).
