By Dhahabu Writer
The largest social media company, Facebook on Tuesday updated the resources they offer to people around the world who may be experiencing self-injury or suicidal thoughts, as well as its support to their concerned friends and family members.
The products were developed in collaboration with mental health organizations and with the input from people who have personal experience with self-injury and suicide.
The social media tools on the platform was first unveiled in the US with the help of Forefront, Lifeline, and Save.org.
“Today (Tuesday), we are rolling them out around the world in collaboration with local partners and in all languages Facebook is available in,”
said Facebook’s Global Head of Safety, Antigone Davis.
Mr Davis added
“Now, with the help of these new tools, if someone posts something on Facebook that makes you concerned about their well-being, you can reach out to them directly — and you also can report the post to us.”
A researcher at Facebook,Jennifer Guadagno, said that they have teams working around the world, 24/7, who review reports that come in.
“They prioritize the most serious reports like self-injury,” said Ms Guadagno.
Ms Guadagno said that as of today, the resources they send to the person who posted something concerning will include an expanded set of options. This means that Facebook users can now choose to reach out to a friend, contact a helpline, or see tips.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, it is important to call local emergency services right away.
You can also visit Facebook Help Centre for information about how to support yourself or a friend, she said.
