A Symbol of Courage, Compassion, and Community

The White Hatter Medallion is a community service initiative recognizing individuals who have reached out to us for help on behalf of a friend—actions that, in some cases, led to significant intervention and possibly even saved a life.

Having presented to and broadcasted for thousands of students across North America, it is not uncommon for students to connect with us afterward to ask questions. Most of the time, these are simple inquiries—but sometimes, students reach out because they or someone they know is in a dangerous or distressing situation online.

In those moments, when someone steps forward to help a friend—or even a stranger—in need, we send them a token of appreciation: the White Hatter Medallion. Each medallion is uniquely numbered, emphasizing its importance and the story it represents. While we do not publish the names or full details of recipients out of respect and privacy, if you ever see one of these medallions, know that behind it is a powerful story of bravery and care.

Launched in celebration of our organization’s 25-year anniversary, the medallion honors tweens, teens, and adults who go above and beyond to help others. These two-sided medallions feature the White Hatter logo on one side and a black-and-white ribbon on the other, representing internet and social media safety, as well as digital literacy. Inscribed with the Latin phrase "Semper Ibi"—meaning "Always There"—each medallion embodies our ongoing promise: If you need help and don’t know where to turn, connect with us. We are here to guide and support those facing concerns about safety, privacy, and digital literacy.

Recipients of this recognition are the humble digital sheepdogs who walk among us—sometimes protectors, sometimes mentors, always upstanders. This program is our way of saying thank you to those who step in when it matters most. These extraordinary individuals have chosen action over apathy in our digital world.

Excerpts from Awarded Medallion Stories

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• A student contacted us after a friend expressed suicidal thoughts and self-harming behaviors online. The intervention that followed was lifesaving.

• After our presentation, a student reported a harassment message circulating in school. The issue was addressed immediately by school staff.

• A student reached out about a severely depressed teen threatening suicide. With our guidance, they contacted emergency services, resulting in a successful intervention.

• A high school student reported abuse to a school resource officer after our program. The suspected abuser was arrested.

• A teen worried about a friend in another state who posted a photo of pills and a suicide note. A successful intervention followed.

• Students reached out to report a friend had taken 12 pills. We helped coordinate with emergency services for timely action.

• A student connected with us about a homeschooled friend threatening suicide. Local mental health services were brought in.

• A teen worked with us and their school to locate and support a suicidal friend after receiving concerning messages.

• A student, a year after hearing us speak, contacted us about a friend’s suicide attempt shared online. They and their parent helped the friend’s family intervene just in time.

• A teen helped a runaway friend living on the streets. They met at a library and connected with local services for support.

• A BC teen reached out about a suicidal friend in Nova Scotia. With our help, they contacted local authorities. The at-risk teen later said, “Thank you for saving my life.”

• A university student coordinated a welfare check for a suicidal friend in their hometown after seeing a Facebook post.

• A U.S. teen alerted us to a TikTok video with a suicide note. We traced the source to a remote Canadian town. RCMP intervened successfully—our first case prompted by TikTok.

• A teen convinced a friend who had overdosed and was heading to a park to call police. The friend was located and transported to the hospital in time.

• A student contacted us years after a school talk. They and their sibling worked with their parents and local police to support a suicidal friend in another province. Both were awarded the medallion for their actions.

• A teen approached their father after a friend discussed suicide in a group chat. With our advice, the father helped ensure the friend got proper care.

• A BC teen couldn’t get help from local police, so they contacted RCMP in New Brunswick after an online friend made suicide threats. A wellness check ensured safety.

• A high school student helped us locate a suicidal teen from another province after a concerning online post. Authorities intervened successfully.

• A student asked for help for their 15-year-old friend who had been contacted by a predatory adult online.

• Three teens in the U.S. feared contacting police due to their parents’ undocumented immigration status but bravely stepped forward to save a suicidal friend. Their father called for help despite the risk, and a successful intervention followed.

• A student reported an online threat of violence targeting another school, allowing authorities to respond appropriately.