Facebook will be introducing a new online tool designed to provide support and resources to those users who might be struggling with suicidal or self-harm thoughts. On Wednesday, Facebook Safety announced that their new tool will allow users to flag posts they believe to be troubling.
After teaming up with mental health organizations from the States, Facebook Safety developed a tool that will allow users to report worrisome content to the Facebook team.
“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,” read the Facebook post.
Photo credit: Facebook.
For those who may need help, Facebook Safety will be providing encouragement to users with suicidal thoughts, so they may reach out to a number of recommended mental health organizations and suicide hotlines.
Users will also be given the option of reaching out to a friend who might be able to provide tips and advice on how they can work through their suicidal thoughts.
“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,” read the post.
These updates are expected to be introduced to everyone who uses Facebook in the U.S. over the next couple of months. Eventually, Facebook would like to release this tool outside the States as well.
Just a few weeks ago, Facebook released a tool that would update your Facebook status once you've passed.
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