Facebook now is not just a platform for communication and business promotion. It is now also a tool for people to express their feelings and emotions. Most of us prefer to share statuses on Facebook rather than saying it to the person face to face.
With that, Facebook recently added a new tool to assist users who want to express their feelings. This is not an ordinary tool. This is something that could help people who express suicidal thoughts on Facebook. In a Facebook blog, the company announced that they have worked with mental health organizations particularly the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to provide proper assistance through the online social network.
Recognizing the need for the tool, Facebook has launched it not only in the US but also in other parts of the world such as Australia. A facebook spokesperson confirmed to Mashable about activating the tool in the country.
In Australia, the Facebook Company is working with BeyondBlue and the Headspace organization. If somebody thinks that someone on Facebook is posting suicidal notes and status, the person can call emergency services or report the certain material to Facebook.
"Keeping people safe is our most important responsibility on Facebook," the Facebook spokesperson said.
Facebook Company is willing to work 24/7 to review the reports and depending on the seriousness of the threat, they will encourage the author to speak to a mental health expert through a private pop - up message for advice.
"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," the Facebook spokesperson added.
Facebook also offers resources to people who flag the troubling posts by giving them the option to call or message the person and provide them access to the suicide hotline for the support they need.