A prominent psychologist advising Meta on suicide prevention and self-harm has stepped down from her position after accusing the tech giant of disregarding expert advice and neglecting the removal of harmful content from Instagram. The development coincides with the report that the US authorities are investigating Meta Platforms for their role in the illicit sale of drugs.

The prosecutors have requested records related to "violative drug content on Meta’s platforms and/or the illicit sale of drugs via Meta’s platforms,"&nbsp;according to copies of subpoenas reported by The Wall Street Journal.

<h2>Meta adviser quits over company's indifference to remove triggering content</h2>

Lotte Rubæk, a member of Meta's global expert group for over three years, expressed deep concerns over the company's alleged indifference to the impact of triggering images on vulnerable individuals, particularly young women and girls, which she claims contributes to rising suicide rates.

Rubæk's purported disillusionment with Meta's approach to user safety led to her resignation, she told The Guardian while citing the company's alleged prioritisation of profits over the well-being of its users.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-one-should-go-through-zuckerberg-issues-apology-over-harm-caused-to-children-due-to-social-media-685688">Watch: Meta's Zuckerberg faces accusation of having 'blood on his hands', apologises to families</a>

"On the surface it seems like they care, they have these expert groups and so on, but behind the scenes there’s another agenda that is a higher priority for them," Rubæk was quoted as saying by The Guardian.

Rubæk's journey with Meta began in December 2020 when she was invited to join the expert group following her public criticism of the platform's handling of an Instagram network linked to suicides in Norway and Denmark.&nbsp;

Email correspondence between Rubæk and Meta's representatives reported by The Guardian revealed ongoing frustrations with the platform's response to reported content, with Rubæk highlighting difficulties in getting triggering images removed.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas | Meta Blackout: How much money did Mark Zuckerberg lose?

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Despite assurances from Meta, Rubæk asserts that the problematic Instagram network she initially criticised remains active.

Rubæk's resignation underscores broader criticisms of Meta's approach to content moderation and user safety, highlighting the ongoing challenges social media platforms face in balancing freedom of expression with the need to protect vulnerable users from harmful content.

(With inputs from agencies)

A prominent psychologist advising Meta on suicide prevention and self-harm has stepped down from her position after accusing the tech giant of disregarding expert advice and neglecting the removal of harmful content from Instagram.

A prominent psychologist advising Meta on suicide prevention and self-harm has stepped down from her position after accusing the tech giant of disregarding expert advice and neglecting the removal of harmful content from Instagram. The development coincides with the report that the US authorities are investigating Meta Platforms for their role in the illicit sale of drugs. The prosecutors have requested records related to "violative drug content on Meta’s platforms and/or the illicit sale of drugs via Meta’s platforms," according to copies of subpoenas reported by The Wall Street Journal. Meta adviser quits over company's indifference to remove triggering content Lotte Rubæk, a member of Meta's global expert group for over three years, expressed deep concerns over the company's alleged indifference to the impact of triggering images on vulnerable individuals, particularly young women and girls, which she claims contributes to rising suicide rates. Rubæk's purported disillusionment with Meta's approach to user safety led to her resignation, she told The Guardian while citing the company's alleged prioritisation of profits over the well-being of its users. Also read | Watch: Meta's Zuckerberg faces accusation of having 'blood on his hands', apologises to families "On the surface it seems like they care, they have these expert groups and so on, but behind the scenes there’s another agenda that is a higher priority for them," Rubæk was quoted as saying by The Guardian. Rubæk's journey with Meta began in December 2020 when she was invited to join the expert group following her public criticism of the platform's handling of an Instagram network linked to suicides in Norway and Denmark. Email correspondence between Rubæk and Meta's representatives reported by The Guardian revealed ongoing frustrations with the platform's response to reported content, with Rubæk highlighting difficulties in getting triggering images removed. Also watch | Gravitas | Meta Blackout: How much money did Mark Zuckerberg lose? × Despite assurances from Meta, Rubæk asserts that the problematic Instagram network she initially criticised remains active. Rubæk's resignation underscores broader criticisms of Meta's approach to content moderation and user safety, highlighting the ongoing challenges social media platforms face in balancing freedom of expression with the need to protect vulnerable users from harmful content. (With inputs from agencies)

Meta under probe for alleged role in illicit drug sales; adviser quits over self harm content

Trigger warning: Some readers may find the details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised

Last year, a staggering number of people — more than ever — died by suicide in the United States. As per provisional data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), figures dating back to at least 1941 revealed that in 2022, the highest-ever number of people killed themselves in the US.

<h2>Disturbing trend</h2>

In 2022, there was a disturbing trend of suicides. At least 49,449 lives were lost due to intentional self-harm. This means there were more than 14 suicidal deaths for every 100,000 people.

This is a three per cent increase of the 2021 numbers — 48,183 suicides.

Compared to women (5.9 per cent), men were four times more likely to kill themselves at 23.1 per cent. However, for women, suicide rates, especially for those aged 25 and older, saw an increase. Overall, the rate of suicides in women increased by four per cent, while for men the increase was half at two per cent.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/england-and-wales-living-in-dark-ages-poll-finds-1-in-7-hr-says-men-better-suited-to-top-jobs-664244">England and Wales 'living in dark ages,' poll finds 1-in-7 HRs says men better suited to top jobs</a>

The data found that there was a significant increase in suicides by people over 35 years of age. The rate was highest for people aged 75 and older.

Overall, the 49,449 suicides were "the highest number ever recorded in&nbsp;the United States,"&nbsp;as per the CDC.

However, the organisation adds, "The 2022 final number of suicides is likely to be higher as additional death&nbsp;certificates with pending causes of death may be determined to be suicides."

<h2>Suicides and the US</h2>

As per the report, in the US, suicides have risen "almost steadily" during the 21st century. Both males and females, across nearly every age and race and Hispanic-origin group, experienced the increase.

Owing to the disturbing trend, the US Surgeon General, in 2021, issued a call to&nbsp;action on a national strategy for suicide&nbsp;prevention as well as an advisory for&nbsp;youth mental health.

CNN citing a separate analysis of provisional CDC data by the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions reports that in the year 2022, suicides by firearms reached a record high.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/working-for-over-55-hours-a-week-kills-800000-people-every-year-report-664257">Working for over 55 hours a week kills 800,000 people every year: Report</a>

As per the analysis, "the nation's overall gun suicide rate increased 1.6 per cent, reaching an all-time high".

"Gun suicides continued to reach all-time highs, increasing 1.6% from a previous record in 2021; 26,993 people died by gun suicide in 2022. While the increase in gun homicides has gained public awareness, less attention has been paid to the growing epidemic of gun suicides – which historically make up the majority of gun deaths. The gun suicide rate has steadily increased, nearly uninterrupted, since 2006. In 2021, it reached the highest levels since the CDC began recording such data in 1968; and this past year, in 2022, it surpassed that record. "

(With inputs from agencies)

If you or someone you know wants help for mental well-being, don't hesitate to talk to a professional. Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, 98204 66726, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata), Parivarthan (Bangalore) +91 76766 02602

Trigger warning: Some readers may find the details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised Last year, a staggering number of people — more than ever — died by suicide in the United States.

Trigger warning: Some readers may find the details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised Last year, a staggering number of people — more than ever — died by suicide in the United States. As per provisional data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), figures dating back to at least 1941 revealed that in 2022, the highest-ever number of people killed themselves in the US. Disturbing trend In 2022, there was a disturbing trend of suicides. At least 49,449 lives were lost due to intentional self-harm. This means there were more than 14 suicidal deaths for every 100,000 people. This is a three per cent increase of the 2021 numbers — 48,183 suicides. Compared to women (5.9 per cent), men were four times more likely to kill themselves at 23.1 per cent. However, for women, suicide rates, especially for those aged 25 and older, saw an increase. Overall, the rate of suicides in women increased by four per cent, while for men the increase was half at two per cent. Also read | England and Wales 'living in dark ages,' poll finds 1-in-7 HRs says men better suited to top jobs The data found that there was a significant increase in suicides by people over 35 years of age. The rate was highest for people aged 75 and older. Overall, the 49,449 suicides were "the highest number ever recorded in the United States," as per the CDC. However, the organisation adds, "The 2022 final number of suicides is likely to be higher as additional death certificates with pending causes of death may be determined to be suicides." Suicides and the US As per the report, in the US, suicides have risen "almost steadily" during the 21st century. Both males and females, across nearly every age and race and Hispanic-origin group, experienced the increase. Owing to the disturbing trend, the US Surgeon General, in 2021, issued a call to action on a national strategy for suicide prevention as well as an advisory for youth mental health. CNN citing a separate analysis of provisional CDC data by the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions reports that in the year 2022, suicides by firearms reached a record high. Also read | Working for over 55 hours a week kills 800,000 people every year: Report As per the analysis, "the nation's overall gun suicide rate increased 1.6 per cent, reaching an all-time high". "Gun suicides continued to reach all-time highs, increasing 1.6% from a previous record in 2021; 26,993 people died by gun suicide in 2022. While the increase in gun homicides has gained public awareness, less attention has been paid to the growing epidemic of gun suicides – which historically make up the majority of gun deaths. The gun suicide rate has steadily increased, nearly uninterrupted, since 2006. In 2021, it reached the highest levels since the CDC began recording such data in 1968; and this past year, in 2022, it surpassed that record. " (With inputs from agencies) If you or someone you know wants help for mental well-being, don't hesitate to talk to a professional. Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, 98204 66726, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata), Parivarthan (Bangalore) +91 76766 02602

Disturbing trend: In 2022, more suicides than ever took place in the United States

A child in the United Kingdom was hospitalised every 20 minutes, last year, after consuming either alcohol or drugs to cause self-harm, an investigation has revealed. In the last five years, hospital admissions for kids who self-harmed with drugs or alcohol soared, with hospitalisations for kids between the ages of 10 and 14 rising by 58%, from 5,520 to 8,749, Daily Mail reported.

Hospitalisations for this type of self-harm among all 0 to 19-year-olds also climbed by about 20%, from 22,313 in 2017–18 to 26,450 in 202–22, to one in every 20 minutes on average, according to the survey.

Lockdowns, social media, and a lack of adequate mental health care, according to experts, are to blame for the issue. Timothy Loughton, a Conservative lawmaker and former minister for children, termed the statistics "shocking" and urged the government to investigate the issue thoroughly.

“Despite the determination of this government to achieve parity of esteem between mental illness and physical illness and the extra investment in young people's mental health services, we still need more and more urgent interventions for our children. The unseen consequences of the Covid lockdown are now coming to the surface as we see the impact of closing schools and depriving children of socialising and learning with their peers on their mental health,” Loughton said, as per Daily Mail.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionnews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-kate-middleton-urges-drug-addicts-alcoholics-to-get-help--video-529539" hreflang="en">Kate Middleton urges drug addicts, alcoholics to get help | Video</a>

“Every two months represents 1 per cent of a child's childhood and too much of that growing-up process was taken away from them during lockdown. While we still have lots to do on academic catch-up, this will amount to little if we do not attend to repairing the mental well-being of children at the same time,” he added.

Of the 117,616 children hospitalised since 2017 for intentionally poisoning themselves with drugs or alcohol, 400 were under the age of 10. According to NHS Digital statistics, non-opioid medicines, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, were responsible for 18,594 hospital admissions last year. Alcohol was the cause of 113 hospitalisations, while drugs and hallucinogens led to 1,188 admissions.

Watch |&nbsp;UK drugs crackdown: Boris Johnson's $398 million plan to tackle drug menace

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To curb the rising cases of hospitalisations among children, parents were advised to lock away their alcohol and medications, to prevent their easy accessibility.

“Often young people tell me they used alcohol with their overdose as their friend had tried taking just tablets and it had not worked or they saw on a TV series it didn't work, so they did their research and read that alcohol alongside would be more damaging. My strong advice to all families, whether they think their children are depressed or not, is to dispose of any medications they do not need at a pharmacy and to lock away any they do need,” Consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist at the Priory, Dr Hayley van Zwanenberg, said as per reports.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A child in the United Kingdom was hospitalised every 20 minutes, last year, after consuming either alcohol or drugs to cause self-harm, an investigation has revealed.

A child in the United Kingdom was hospitalised every 20 minutes, last year, after consuming either alcohol or drugs to cause self-harm, an investigation has revealed. In the last five years, hospital admissions for kids who self-harmed with drugs or alcohol soared, with hospitalisations for kids between the ages of 10 and 14 rising by 58%, from 5,520 to 8,749, Daily Mail reported. Hospitalisations for this type of self-harm among all 0 to 19-year-olds also climbed by about 20%, from 22,313 in 2017–18 to 26,450 in 202–22, to one in every 20 minutes on average, according to the survey. Lockdowns, social media, and a lack of adequate mental health care, according to experts, are to blame for the issue. Timothy Loughton, a Conservative lawmaker and former minister for children, termed the statistics "shocking" and urged the government to investigate the issue thoroughly. “Despite the determination of this government to achieve parity of esteem between mental illness and physical illness and the extra investment in young people's mental health services, we still need more and more urgent interventions for our children. The unseen consequences of the Covid lockdown are now coming to the surface as we see the impact of closing schools and depriving children of socialising and learning with their peers on their mental health,” Loughton said, as per Daily Mail. Also Read | Kate Middleton urges drug addicts, alcoholics to get help | Video “Every two months represents 1 per cent of a child's childhood and too much of that growing-up process was taken away from them during lockdown. While we still have lots to do on academic catch-up, this will amount to little if we do not attend to repairing the mental well-being of children at the same time,” he added. Of the 117,616 children hospitalised since 2017 for intentionally poisoning themselves with drugs or alcohol, 400 were under the age of 10. According to NHS Digital statistics, non-opioid medicines, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, were responsible for 18,594 hospital admissions last year. Alcohol was the cause of 113 hospitalisations, while drugs and hallucinogens led to 1,188 admissions. Watch | UK drugs crackdown: Boris Johnson's $398 million plan to tackle drug menace To curb the rising cases of hospitalisations among children, parents were advised to lock away their alcohol and medications, to prevent their easy accessibility. “Often young people tell me they used alcohol with their overdose as their friend had tried taking just tablets and it had not worked or they saw on a TV series it didn't work, so they did their research and read that alcohol alongside would be more damaging. My strong advice to all families, whether they think their children are depressed or not, is to dispose of any medications they do not need at a pharmacy and to lock away any they do need,” Consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist at the Priory, Dr Hayley van Zwanenberg, said as per reports. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Self-harm: 1 child goes to hospital every 20 minutes in UK for alcohol or drug abuse

According to a new report by the Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI), a growing number of posts relating to self-harm have started appearing on Twitter. The numbers are up by 500% since October of last year.

Tech Talk | Researchers: Twitter failed to moderate self-harm content

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