The launch of Facebook's new suicide prevention tools in New Zealand has been welcomed by The Mental Health Foundation.

The social media company has rolled out new tools allowing users to report content posted to Facebookby friends, family or strangers if they think that person is in danger of harming themselves or worse.

The Mental Health Foundation believes Facebook's new suicide prevention tools will help to save lives in New Zealand.

When users report suicidal content they are given a list of options to help that person, like reaching out directly to their friend with text suggested by Facebook to let them know they are concerned and are available to help.

MHF chief executive Shaun Robinson believes suicide prevention is a community effort.

'But some of us scroll past when we see social media posts that suggest a friend might be suicidal out of fear of saying the wrong thing or a misguided belief that these posts are simply attention-seeking.”

Posting about suicidal thoughts or feelings is a warning sign that someone may be at risk of suicide so it's important to take the person seriously and do what you can to help.

One of the best things about social media is the social connection it provides, says Shaun.

'Feeling connected to others, knowing they care and want to help can be really powerful to a person who feels alone and hopeless. It's easy to say ‘if you see something, say something,' but many of us don't know what to say or how to help, and we're sometimes worried about making things worse.”

Facebook can also send distressed people the numbers and information for New Zealand helplines or connect them with trained counsellors and volunteers who can help them work through their feelings and support them to get further help if they need it.

The tool also sends users suggestions for simple and relaxing activities, like going for a walk, taking a bath or looking at the clouds – small self-care strategies that have been proven to help people when they're in distress, adds Shaun.

'Even if you choose to remain anonymous, it can really help a distressed person if they know someone cares enough to send help their way. You're not reporting them – you're supporting them.

'We believe these tools are a fantastic addition to the suicide prevention work New Zealand is already doing and will help to save lives,” says Shaun.

More information about suicide prevention can be found at: www.mentalhealth.org.nz/suicideprevention