Facebook Australia Announces New Suicide Prevention Initiatives

Facebook has taken an important step towards addressing suicide prevention concerns in Australia, with a new initiative aiming to address mental health of Australian users.

The social media platform said they will now offer users “more resources, advice and support for people who may be going through a difficult time”.

There are a number of new measures to be employed. If a friend posts something on their page that is concerning, Facebook will allow users to report the post to a 24 hour support team. Insensitive terms are to be removed such as suggestive language, unfriendly visuals and removing terms like  “lifeline” because they imply crisis.

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A “Suicide Prevention Flow” presents users with a series of pages and graphics to calm the user’s mental state, with links to speak to someone via phone, email, or message.

While concerned friends will be encouraged to reach out with a message to someone they’re worried about, Facebook will fill pre-populated suggested text encouraging their friend to seek help.

The program was initially trialled in the U.S. in February partnered with American mental health initiatives Forefront, Now Matters Now and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, while in Australia, Facebook is collaborating with Beyond Blue and Headspace.

“Keeping people safe is our most important responsibility on Facebook,” the spokesperson said.

“We’re also providing new resources and support to the person who flagged the troubling post,” the spokesperson said, “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.”

“Globally there are multiple millions of users all going through these same problems,” Chris Tanti, Headspace CEO told Fairfax Media. “People can be notified and help can be provided just about anywhere in Australia, which is fantastic.”

Posts and information will be targetted according to age bracket, separated between 13-24 year-olds (Beyond Blue) or towards 24+ year-olds.

The announcement comes days after Sinead O’Connor’s Facebook page was taken down, after alarming suicidal messages were posted on her account.

While the initiative is dependent on the pages being reported by a user, it is still an encouraging program with Facebook previously pinpointed as lacking accountability for the mental health of its users and the issues surrounding cyber-bullying

If you are dealing with thoughts of suicide, you can speak to someone at Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14, BeyondBlue Australia on 1300 22 4636 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.