1
Facebook builds mechanism to respond to suicide threats
Facebook has built a page for reporting suicidal content that people see on the site. It's a form where you fill in the url where you spotted it, name of the person, time it was posted, what networks the person belongs to. The form also says that you should contact the police if you see that kind of language and it says that a Facebook official will review the content and take appropriate action. On Sunday, police found the body of a 12-year-old girl who had threatened on Facebook to kill herself. There was another high profile case in England recently.
What's kind of odd here is that if I hadn't read this article about the Facebook form, I never would have known it was there. It's not listed in any kind of obvious place. Can't search for it. In a situation like a threatened suicide, time matters a lot but there's nowhere to find the form and language that says "A Facebook administrator will review your report and take any available action from our end." is hardly a comfort.
It's a good idea, but it's not mean as an authority to get help from. It's more of a, "This doesn't sound right, no one's helping, I think I'll make sure someone checks up on this" kind of thing. Facebook works with the Samaritans and if need be the Police. If you know the person, talk to them first. I personally would never recommend going to the police unless you see the act being or about to be committed. Calling the Samaritans or other help hotlines is a smart move. They know what they're doing, and are helpful. They are confidential, unless legally obligated to call authorities because of evidence of immediate self harm/suicide.
It's a tricky issue as one prevention doesn't stop the cause/problem.
All I can say is, take it seriously, and do educate yourself. It's too hard to know what is and isn't serious, and it's important to know how to address the issue. TWLOHA is a culturally accepted and promoted movement that is very easy to access and suggest without any stigma.
Ok, I'll stop talking.
