Staff Writer
Facebook is planning to add a suicide prevention feature to
its website in order to reach out and provide help to its users. Although the
site has consulted with mental health organizations in the past, they are
partnering with several new organizations in order to handle their new helpline
efficiently. Those struggling with depression, self-harm, and other related
issues often discuss their troubles online. In the event that they submit a
questionable post to Facebook, their friends can now seek help for them through
the social networking service.
Here’s how it works: Friends seeing a concerning post can
report it to a trained team of safety specialists. If deemed potentially
suicidal, Facebook sends the poster several helpful resources via notification.
The option of contacting a friend, contacting a suicide prevention hotline, or
receiving advice regarding the treatment of depression/suicide are made
available. Facebook product manager Robert Boyle and community safety
specialist, Nicole Staubli posted, “We have 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.” Although
it is highly advised to contact emergency services if something indicates
immediate danger or harm.
The update is not Facebook’s first attempt to help those who
have posted suicidal content. In 2011 there was a decidedly more difficult
method of reporting the poster and getting help. In comparison, this revised
method is much easier and preferable. Any interactions with this tool are
entirely confidential for both poster and reporter. Additionally, the users
that are able to report posts do not have to be friends or following the
poster. Facebook plans to implement this feature in the U.S within the next few
months.
