Facebook Users Have New Tool To Help Prevent Suicide
By Edward Cardenas
SOUTHFIELD (CBS Detroit) - Facebook has updated online tools that will provide additional resources to people who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts.
Facebook announced Wednesday that it worked with a variety of mental health organizations, and those whose lives have been touched by suicide, to enhance its services.
"One of the first things these organizations discussed with us was how much connecting with people who care can help those in distress," Rob Boyle, Facebook Product Manager and Nicole Staubli, Facebook Community Operations Safety Specialist, wrote in a post. "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."
The company stated it has teams around the world working around the clock who review any report that comes in about Facebook users struggling with suicidal thoughts. For reports submitted to Facebook, company personnel prioritize the most serious reports, like self-injury, and send help and resources to those in distress.
After a report is submitted, Facebook is offering expanded support and resources to those who may need help the next time they log on. The users receives a prompt that someone noticed that a user is "going through something difficult," and then there are links which encouraging them to connect with a mental health expert at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline along with the option of reaching out to a friend.
The post from Facebook added that the updates will be introduced in the United States over the next couple of months.