Facebook unveils new suicide alert and support tools
Thanks to Facebook, saving lives will soon be a click away.
After a slew of social-media-induced suicides and cyberbullying cases, the online world is attempting to redeem itself and Facebook is at the forefront.
The social media empire recently launched a tool to prevent suicides. It relies on users to report a post to the Facebook team to review. If there are any suicidal thoughts detected, the disheartened user will receive a notification indicating a friend has attempted to help. Facebook also offers suicide prevention services.
The feature plays off a reporting feature implemented in 2011, which passed details to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the US and the Samaritans in the UK.
“Keeping you safe is our most important responsibility on Facebook,” says Rob Boyle of the Facebook Safety team. He also noted Facebook’s collaboration with relevant organizations such as Now Matters Now and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. They all believed “how much connecting with people who care can help those in distress.” And conveniently, it resonates with Facebook’s mission to connect people.
The tool will be available outside U.S. really soon and when it does, make sure you’re not just a passive bystander and saving lives can be a click away!
Natasha Gan
