New suicide prevention tool aims to help Facebook users

New suicide prevention tool aims to help Facebook users

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MENLO PARK, Calif. — A new tool on Facebook is designed to let friends help friends who might be struggling with suicidal thoughts.

Whenever Facebook users see a worrisome post, clicking on “Report Post” will soon bring up an option listing “What You Can Do.” The list will include prompts to send a message, contact another friend, chat with a trained helper or ask Facebook to look at the post, according to the social media company.

After a trained third party evaluates the post, Facebook said it will send resources to the friend. The tool was developed by Facebook with the help of mental health institutions like Forefront, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Save.org.

Suicide Prevention Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, KSL encourages you to call the suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-273-TALK.

Crisis Hotlines

  • Utah County Crisis Line: 801-226- 4433
  • Salt Lake County/UNI Crisis Line: 801-587-3000
  • Wasatch Mental Health Crisis Line: 801-373- 7393
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK
  • Trevor Project Hotline for LGBTQ teens: 1- 866-488-7386

Online resources

“For those who may need help we have significantly expanded the support and resources that are available to them the next time they log on to Facebook after we review a report of something they’ve posted,” a post on the Facebook Safety page reads. “Besides encouraging them to connect with a mental health expert at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, we now also give them the option of reaching out to a friend and provide tips and advice on how they can work through these feelings.”

Additionally, the person who reported the post will receive resources that include tips on how to talk to a friend who is in pain.

The tool will become available in the next few months, according to Facebook.

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Natalie Crofts

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