Facebook has developed a Suicide Prevention Tool in the UK

Jen Mills

Facebook wants to make people feel less alone (Picture: Getty)

It’s a sad truth that many of us have seen desperate messages posted on Facebook by people who are feeling at their lowest points.
Just last week, we reported the story of Tina Rayson who jumped to her death days after writing on Facebook, ‘If I died would anyone care?’
Now Facebook is rolling out a feature in the UK to help people who leave messages such as this, reminding them there are other options than suicide.
The new Suicide Prevention tool was developed with the Samaritans, and allows people to flag up posts more easily.

This is what the feature looks like in the US

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It will be a private feature and won’t be shared.
Facebook hopes to offer support and advice for people struggling, as well as those around them, according to the BBC.
The move follows similar efforts in the USA and Australia.
This is what it will replace:

The new version aims to be more user-friendly.

Is this a good idea?

• Yes, it could help people
• No, it's reductive

Facebook will ask anyone who sees a direct threat of suicide to call emergency services, but flag up messages which are more vague although still troubling.
A team will review reported messages and activate the feature for those judged to be at risk.

For emotional support contact Samaritans on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org