Facebook's suicide prevention tool

You may have come across a Facebook post from a friend contemplating suicide and probably had no idea of how you could assist them avoid taking their lives.

It is for this reason that Facebook together with health organisations are working on how to give its users more options when they see a friend post something that hints at self-harm or suicidal thoughts.

The upcoming suicide prevention tool, will be a premier feature that will be be built directly into posts.

If a Facebook friend posts something that you feel indicates he or she could be thinking of harming themselves, you will in future be able to report the post. Facebook will then review the post and if it feels like the post indicates distress, it will attempt to contact the person who posted it.

Meanwhile you will also be provided with a set of options such as to contact the friend who made the post, talk to another friend for support or contact a suicide helpline.

The person behind the post will in turn be presented with options such as to call a friend, send a friend a Facebook message or contact a suicide helpline.

Facebook will also provide videos of people who have dealt with suicidal thoughts and will even help users find a self-care expert.

The new feature will be rolled out this year.