Facebook Announces Suicide-Prevention Feature

Facebook is rolling out a new suicide-prevention feature.

If you spot a worrisome post from a Facebook friend, there will now be an option to report it.

Facebook will then review the post, and if it agrees that there is reason for concern, the individual concerned will be presented with a prompt to get help the next time they log in.

The page presented reads: "Hi, a friend thinks you might be going through something difficult and asked us to look at your recent post."

The user is then presented with the option of contacting a mental health expert, friend, or getting tips and support online.

They also have a third option of skipping support altogether.

Facebook content strategist Holly Hetherington said: "Often, friends and family who are the observers in this situation don't know what to do.

"They're concerned, but they're worried about saying the wrong thing or somehow making it worse. Socially, mental illness and thoughts about suicide are just not something we talk about."

The new feature will roll out to everyone in the US over the next few weeks.

A similar feature could be introduced outside the US further down the line.

:: Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 08457 90 90 90 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.