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15 Sept 2025

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'Unacceptable': Mental health charity condemns online threats targeting Simon Harris

Turn2Me warns of severe psychological harm from online threats, urging empathy and responsibility online

Mental health charity condemns online threats after abuse directed at Simon Harris

PICTURE: Instagram/@simonharristd

By Aisling Magner

15 Sept 2025 1:10 PM

A leading Irish mental health charity has condemned the wave of online abuse and threats targeting Tánaiste Simon Harris, warning that such behaviour can have devastating psychological effects.
Turn2Me said that online threats are “not just words on a screen” but can cause deep, long lasting distress, including anxiety, depression, and (PTSD) post-traumatic stress disorder.
“What Simon Harris has had to endure is unacceptable,” said Fiona O’Malley, CEO of Turn2Me. “An online threat is not just a few words on a screen ,people who experience this type of harassment often describe feeling unsafe, powerless, and overwhelmed.”
The charity highlighted recent international research, including a 2025 study in BMC Public Health, which found that cyberbullying and online threats are strongly linked to trauma responses and poor mental health outcomes. Victims are at significantly higher risk of developing suicidal thoughts.
Fiona called for greater awareness of the real world damage that threatening behaviour can cause and urged people to “pause and think before posting” on social media.
“Violence and the threat of violence have no place in civilised society,” she added. “If you are frustrated with politicians, bring that frustration to the ballot box and cast your vote. Freedom of expression does not include the right to threaten or incite violence.”
Turn2Me also outlined practical advice for anyone who receives online threats, including blocking and reporting abusive accounts, seeking professional support, and reporting physical threats to Gardaí.
The charity provides up to six free online counselling sessions for adults across Ireland, alongside support groups and a “Thought Catcher” mood diary available at www.turn2me.ie

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