Media News - Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Facebook launches tool to report suicidal behavior

Facebook launched a new suicide prevention tool on Tuesday, giving users a direct link to an online chat with counselors who can help, the company said. Friends are able to report suicidal behavior by clicking a report option next to any piece of content on the site and choosing suicidal content under the harmful behavior option, Facebook spokesman Frederic Wolens said. Facebook will then email the user in distress a direct link for a private online chat with a crisis representative from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline as well as the group's phone number. The new tool gives people who may not be comfortable picking up the phone a direct avenue to seek help. Users also have the ability to report suicidal behavior by going to the site's Help Center or search for suicide reporting forms. They can also use reporting links around the site. Worried friends who reported the behavior will also receive a message to say it is being addressed, Wolens said. The new suicide reporting tool will be made available to people who use Facebook in the United States and Canada. (Reuters)

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