After the news is shared, you may have to decide what to do about your friend or relative’s social media accounts.

Some sites have specific policies in place about what can happen. There are two options for Facebook accounts – they can be converted to a “remembering” page, so that you can continue to post messages for and about that person. Alternatively next of kin can ask for  a person’s page to be removed. 

Not every social media site has a policy. Some will do whatever the family wishes, usually after you provide some proof that the person has died. Other companies won't make changes. More sites are developing rules to deal with these situations as time goes on.

If possible discuss what will happen with others who were close to the person who died. It’s not always possible to agree, but it can be a shock if someone’s page vanishes without warning.