Facebook has rolled out a new system to try and identify and help users having suicidal thoughts.
It allows concerned friends to report content for review.
After reviewing a report and confirming that it may indicate suicidal feelings in a user, Facebook will send that user notifications stating that a friend has attempted to help and offering access to suicide prevention resources.
‘Keeping you safe is our most important responsibility on Facebook,’ said Rob Boyle of Facebook.
‘Today, at our fifth Compassion Research Day, we announced updated tools that provide more resources, advice and support to people who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts and their concerned friends and family members.’
‘If someone on Facebook sees a direct threat of suicide, we ask that they contact their local emergency services immediately.
‘We also ask them to report any troubling content to us.’
Facebook has set up teams working around the world, 24/7, who review any report that comes in.
They prioritize the most serious reports, like self-injury, and send help and resources to those in distress.
“For those who may need help we have significantly expanded the support and resources that are available to them the next time they log on to Facebook after we review a report of something they’ve posted.
“Besides encouraging them to connect with a mental health expert at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, we now also give them the option of reaching out to a friend, and provide tips and advice on how they can work through these feelings.
“All of these resources were created in conjunction with our clinical and academic partners.
“We’re also providing new resources and support to the person who flagged the troubling post, including options for them to call or message their distressed friend letting them know they care, or reaching out to another friend or a trained professional at a suicide hotline for support.
