facebook Provides Assistance to Prevent Suicides

Native News Network Staff in Native Health. Discussion »

MENLO PARK, CALIFORNIA - Help may on its way via social media giant facebook in prevention of the suicides.

On Tuesday facebook announced a new feature that will connect the social network users through a confidential chat session initiated by a family member or friend who may see a comment involving threats of suicide.

With American Indian youth committing suicide at levels that are 2.5 to 3 times the national average, this tool may become a valuable tool since many American Indians use Facebook on a regular basis. Last week, "Search Engine Watch" reported that an estimated 474,100, who associate themselves with the term Native American utilize facebook.

The facebook tool allows suicidal individuals to start a chat via a instant messaging system that may be faster than making a phone call, particularly when intervention is crucial.

As the popularity of social networking has increased, people who ultimately committed suicides have posted their final words on facebook.

How it Works

The new service enables facebook users to report a suicidal comment they see posted by a friend to facebook using either the Report Suicidal Content Link » or the report links found throughout the site.

The person who posted the suicidal comment will then immediately receive an email from facebook encouraging them to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or to click on a link to begin a confidential chat session with a crisis worker.

posted December 14, 2011 7:55 am est