Facebook unveils new tools to help prevent suicides

Facebook unveils new tools to help prevent suicides

Facebook updated its set of tools to help prevent suicides, the company has announced.

The social network worked with mental health organizations Forefront, Now Matters Now, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Save.org and others on these updates, in addition to consulting with people who had lived experience with self-injury or suicide.

For those who may need help, there is significantly expanded support and resources that are available the next time they log on to Facebook.If someone on Facebook sees a direct threat of suicide, he or she will be able to contact their local emergency services immediately. Facebook also asks users to report any troubling content, and is having 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.

Additionally, for those who may need help, there is significantly expanded support and resources that are available the next time they log on after Facebook has reviewed a report of something they’ve posted. Besides encouraging them to connect with a mental health expert at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Facebook also gives them the option of reaching out to a friend, and provide tips and advice on how they can work through these feelings.

On the other hand, users who flag the troubling post will also be provided with appropriate resources, 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.

These updates will roll out to everyone who uses Facebook in the U.S. over the next couple of months. The company is also working to offer similar (or same) tools to users outside the U.S.