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    Facebook launches new 'suicide alert' system

    Updated:2 May 2016 3:31 PM | Posted by
    Beth E's picture
    Beth E
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    At beautyheaven, we’re passionate about encouraging the conversation surrounding depression and anxiety, but one of the problems many of us still encounter is identifying when people are suffering from mental health issues in the first place.

    But now, Facebook’s set to help by implementing a ‘suicide alert’ system that’ll identify users with suicidal thoughts – and hopefully, inspire them to seek help.

    So how will it work? Well, the new feature will encourage Facebook friends of sufferers to raise the alarm by submitting posts they identify as worrying for review.

    Posts will then be assessed according to whether they actually indicate genuine suicidal feelings, with Facebook notifying these users that a friend has tried to help and recommending various suicide prevention organisations where they can seek support.  

    Reportedly working with mental health organisations such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Save.org and more, the prevention-oriented service is all about identifying vulnerable social media users at a critical, potentially life-saving stage.  

    To be perfectly honest, when I first got wind of the new venture, I wondered whether Facebook had the resources to implement it effectively. But with a dedicated the team of reviewers set to evaluate submissions worldwide, 24/7, it seems there will always be someone on hand to deal with potential issues as they arise.  

    Personally, I think it’s brilliant that Facebook is using its enormous reach and influence to address a social issue that’s a bit more pressing than oh, say, how to get the best selfie.  

    In fact, I’d argue that if even if just a single person is saved from harm as a result, it’s a project worth pursuing.

    What do you think of Facebook’s upcoming suicide alert system? Would you use it to seek support for your friends, or do you prefer to address your peers in person?

     

    46 Member Comments

    BeautifulJusty 5 Jul 2017 5:55 PM

    This is a great idea

    Petal 1 Jun 2015 5:43 AM

    It's great to see something positive written about Facebook for a change. It will be interesting to see if this initiative helps in the long-term.

    Sydneyswans910 11 Mar 2015 5:29 AM

    Such an amazing initiative - the amount of cyber bullying is crazy. I know a former classmate who posted a suicide note on Facebook, and all her concerned friends were organising amongst themselves the best way to check on her. Turns out it all turned out okay, but good to know that Facebook can provide support.

    Shop A Everyday 7 Mar 2015 4:03 AM

    I hope this works, it would be sad if FB said this post does not pose a threat and then something terrible happens

    Dreamy 6 Mar 2015 3:46 AM

    Excellent idea indeed

    Elefante 5 Mar 2015 10:27 PM

    If it can help some it is better than none

    Unidentified 4 Mar 2015 2:10 PM

    Wow. I hope that this initiative saves lives. Good on Facebook for trying to intervene in this tragic end to lives.

    Miss_Lee 4 Mar 2015 9:37 AM

    If it saves just one life, then its a worthy project.

    Friends also need to step in a little more - even if you think its just for attention, its worth checking in, do you really want to take that chance?

    VivaliciousChic 4 Mar 2015 8:36 AM

    I think anything that can help save ppl's lives is awesome

    freaky 4 Mar 2015 8:35 AM

    Thats a great idea. We as a society really need to look after each other more

    ren812 4 Mar 2015 7:50 AM

    Agree

    Yohanna 4 Mar 2015 7:27 AM

    Very strange concept, but if it helps, I can not tell. I've seen lots of bulling of people, and controlling the net and spying on everyone...the mission impossible

    Linda_Vesinger 4 Mar 2015 4:42 AM

    Done the right way, this system could genuinely help some people. A good friend of mine's grandson lost his best mate to suicide a few days ago - this was a young man with depression, who was receiving medication & treatment, yet he unfortunately still took his own life.

    Beautybabe140194 4 Mar 2015 1:44 AM

    Lets see if it works

    Lawliet 4 Mar 2015 1:42 AM

    This is a nice idea. I hope it helps save lives

    Evanescencessy 3 Mar 2015 10:45 PM

    I think this is great. Anything that might help save a life is good.

    Joole 3 Mar 2015 10:24 AM

    This is a great idea but it does require people to take the initiative.

    Marza 3 Mar 2015 6:26 AM

    bravo if this stops a death

    GoddessMagick 3 Mar 2015 5:44 AM

    If it helps then its a positive but I do see many issues from privacy to trolling etc arising from this also. I personally would chat to my friends and attempt to help and implement help for them from that way most likely not via fb.

    IndieAna 3 Mar 2015 5:03 AM

    Something good might come from social media yet! I think it could be helpful, great idea

    eeee 3 Mar 2015 3:04 AM

    It will be interesting to see how this works!

    maggieball 3 Mar 2015 12:49 AM

    I've seen users put stuff up on Facebook that indicates a problem (I've even seen a couple of chilling goodbyes on there too), and I've also seen friends show support that could be a lifeline, so making this more formal could be a good thing, though would have to be handled carefully. Not sure how well a computer system or heuristics would be able to pick this correctly - could be counterproductive if it doesn't work well.

    Jessica712 3 Mar 2015 12:44 AM

    I agree if it helps even just one person then that is a positive thing. Also agree that we need to check in our loved ones more often too and not just rely on things like this.

    Lucrecia629 2 Mar 2015 11:52 PM

    This would only be good if the person who may be exhibiting suicidal thoughts actually checks their Facebook feed between the time they post and the time they act on those thoughts. This concept makes me uneasy. I would also assume that the user information of the person who has been reported as demonstrating suicidal thoughts is going to be stored by Facebook and could be recalled at a later date - possibly by a perspective employer? This could mean that people might miss out on career opportunities because they either just had a bad time and said something that someone misinterpreted or one of their "friends" might actually be trying to cause trouble for that person by reporting them unnecessarily. If you're worried about a friend, pick up the phone! I think Facebook needs to stop trying to be our answer to everything.

    Jlgaddes 2 Mar 2015 11:20 PM

    excellent idea!!!

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