Warning: The below content contains mention of suicide&nbsp;So-called 'suicide kits' have claimed five lives in the United Kingdom, The Mirror reported. An inquest has begun into the matter after these people died from taking a substance present in the kit. According to the outlet, Zara Afua Ampong-Appiah, a young psychologist, died by suicide by using this thing. The 30-year-old was found dead in her bed in April 2025. Investigation showed that she had looked up a US-based pro-choice suicide website 35 times. Even though this website is banned in the UK, users have found a way around the blockade.&nbsp;&nbsp;Coroner Nadia Persaud told the outlet, "The circumstances all suggest that Zara had taken a substance that had caused her death. Analysis of her devices showed a number of searches relating to suicide, and a post-mortem investigation revealed toxicity (relating to the chemical). Therefore, the conclusion is that she died as a result of suicide."&nbsp;Zara's GP said that she had been suffering from depression and anxiety since February 2023 and had requested medication. However, her mother said that she had never told them anything about her mental health struggles. There was absolutely no warning, nothing. She had friends, and a supportive family and not one of us saw this coming,” she said.<h2>Suicide kits are being delivered via mail</h2>The suicide kits containing the lethal substance are being ordered from abroad. Charity worker Jane Colechin is one of the five victims who is believed to have taken it. Her body had a deadly chemical at 46,860 times higher levels, according to a toxicology report. Det Con Sam Drury, of the Metropolitan Police, said in a statement that it was delivered to her via Royal Mail.&nbsp;&nbsp;He said that he checked Jane's phone using keywords pertaining to this substance, and found "1,360 instances of them between 1 December 2024 and 1 January 2025." Drury added that she also accessed a website which provides information relating to suicide and the chemical, and "a Royal Mail tracking service for a parcel with the chemical,” Drury said. &nbsp;

Five people are believed to have taken their lives in the United Kingdom using what is being called a “suicide kit”. Users reportedly accessed it through a website that is banned in the country and then received the lethal substance via Royal Mail.

Warning: The below content contains mention of suicide So-called 'suicide kits' have claimed five lives in the United Kingdom, The Mirror reported. An inquest has begun into the matter after these people died from taking a substance present in the kit. According to the outlet, Zara Afua Ampong-Appiah, a young psychologist, died by suicide by using this thing. The 30-year-old was found dead in her bed in April 2025. Investigation showed that she had looked up a US-based pro-choice suicide website 35 times. Even though this website is banned in the UK, users have found a way around the blockade. Coroner Nadia Persaud told the outlet, "The circumstances all suggest that Zara had taken a substance that had caused her death. Analysis of her devices showed a number of searches relating to suicide, and a post-mortem investigation revealed toxicity (relating to the chemical). Therefore, the conclusion is that she died as a result of suicide." Zara's GP said that she had been suffering from depression and anxiety since February 2023 and had requested medication. However, her mother said that she had never told them anything about her mental health struggles. There was absolutely no warning, nothing. She had friends, and a supportive family and not one of us saw this coming,” she said. Suicide kits are being delivered via mail The suicide kits containing the lethal substance are being ordered from abroad. Charity worker Jane Colechin is one of the five victims who is believed to have taken it. Her body had a deadly chemical at 46,860 times higher levels, according to a toxicology report. Det Con Sam Drury, of the Metropolitan Police, said in a statement that it was delivered to her via Royal Mail. He said that he checked Jane's phone using keywords pertaining to this substance, and found "1,360 instances of them between 1 December 2024 and 1 January 2025." Drury added that she also accessed a website which provides information relating to suicide and the chemical, and "a Royal Mail tracking service for a parcel with the chemical,” Drury said.

Five people are believed to have taken their lives in the United Kingdom using what is being called a “suicide kit”. Users reportedly accessed it through a website that is banned in the country and then received the lethal substance via Royal Mail.

Five deaths in UK now linked to 'suicide kits' containing lethal substance sent via mail

Instagram has introduced a new safety measure aimed at improving protection for teenagers. The platform will soon notify parents if their teen repeatedly searches for topics related to suicide or self-harm within a brief timeframe. These notifications will only be sent to guardians who are signed up for Instagram’s parental supervision program. The update comes as parent company Meta faces ongoing legal challenges concerning the alleged mental health impact of its platforms on young users.&nbsp;Instagram already prevents explicit self-harm or suicide-related content from appearing in teen search results and instead provides links to crisis support resources. With the new feature, alerts will be delivered to enrolled parents via email, text message, WhatsApp, and through notifications on their own Instagram accounts, depending on the contact details they have shared. The rollout is expected to begin in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada in the coming weeks, with additional countries set to follow later this year.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/danish-pm-mette-frederiksen-calls-snap-election-amid-popularity-surge-for-resisting-trump-s-bid-to-acquire-greenland-1772120220927">Danish PM Mette Frederiksen calls snap election amid popularity surge for resisting Trump’s bid to acquire Greenland</a>&nbsp;In a statement about the update, Meta said it intends to use the feature carefully to avoid excessive or unnecessary alerts, noting that too many notifications could reduce their effectiveness. The company explained that the goal is to help parents recognize when their teen may need emotional support. Meta also revealed it is developing a similar alert system tied to its artificial intelligence tools. Parents may be informed if a teen attempts to initiate certain AI-driven conversations involving self-harm or suicide.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mexico-s-president-claudia-sheinbaum-pushes-for-major-electoral-reforms-1772120706469/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/mexico-s-president-claudia-sheinbaum-pushes-for-major-electoral-reforms-1772120706469/embed</a>&nbsp;The announcement arrives amid mounting legal pressure. Meta and several other social media firms are facing lawsuits from thousands of families, school districts, and public agencies. The plaintiffs argue that these platforms are intentionally designed to be addictive and lack sufficient safeguards to shield children from harmful content linked to depression, eating disorders, and suicidal thoughts.&nbsp;Two separate trials involving Meta are currently underway. One case in Los Angeles is examining allegations that the company’s platforms foster addiction among minors, while another proceeding in New Mexico is focused on claims that Meta failed to adequately protect children from sexual exploitation online.

Instagram to roll out parental notifications for suicide-related searches amid ongoing legal challenges

Instagram has introduced a new safety measure aimed at improving protection for teenagers. The platform will soon notify parents if their teen repeatedly searches for topics related to suicide or self-harm within a brief timeframe. These notifications will only be sent to guardians who are signed up for Instagram’s parental supervision program. The update comes as parent company Meta faces ongoing legal challenges concerning the alleged mental health impact of its platforms on young users. Instagram already prevents explicit self-harm or suicide-related content from appearing in teen search results and instead provides links to crisis support resources. With the new feature, alerts will be delivered to enrolled parents via email, text message, WhatsApp, and through notifications on their own Instagram accounts, depending on the contact details they have shared. The rollout is expected to begin in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada in the coming weeks, with additional countries set to follow later this year. Also Read: Danish PM Mette Frederiksen calls snap election amid popularity surge for resisting Trump’s bid to acquire Greenland In a statement about the update, Meta said it intends to use the feature carefully to avoid excessive or unnecessary alerts, noting that too many notifications could reduce their effectiveness. The company explained that the goal is to help parents recognize when their teen may need emotional support. Meta also revealed it is developing a similar alert system tied to its artificial intelligence tools. Parents may be informed if a teen attempts to initiate certain AI-driven conversations involving self-harm or suicide. https://www.wionews.com/videos/mexico-s-president-claudia-sheinbaum-pushes-for-major-electoral-reforms-1772120706469/embed The announcement arrives amid mounting legal pressure. Meta and several other social media firms are facing lawsuits from thousands of families, school districts, and public agencies. The plaintiffs argue that these platforms are intentionally designed to be addictive and lack sufficient safeguards to shield children from harmful content linked to depression, eating disorders, and suicidal thoughts. Two separate trials involving Meta are currently underway. One case in Los Angeles is examining allegations that the company’s platforms foster addiction among minors, while another proceeding in New Mexico is focused on claims that Meta failed to adequately protect children from sexual exploitation online.

Instagram will notify enrolled parents if teens repeatedly search for suicide or self-harm topics, expanding safety efforts amid Meta trials

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has reportedly passed&nbsp;a secret order to ban suicide in the country, labelling it as a "treason against socialism". A report by Radio Free Asia claimed that Kim has ordered local governments to take preventative measures.&nbsp;

A government official told the outlet that the decision was made after data showed an increase in people taking their lives this year.&nbsp;

As mentioned in the report, the South Korean National Intelligence Service claimed that suicides were up by about 40% compared to last year at the end of May.&nbsp;

However, there's no confirmation of the data from North Korean authorities.&nbsp;

As quoted, a spokesperson for South Korea's National Intelligence Service said: "There are a lot of ­internal unrest factors in North Korea due to ­people’s hardships."&nbsp;

The spy agency apparently also mentioned that violent crimes are also on the rise in North Korea as people struggle to make ends meet.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-may-have-insomnia-alcohol-dependency-south-koreas-spy-agency-599269">North Korean leader Kim Jong-un may have 'insomnia, alcohol dependency': South Korea's spy agency</a>&nbsp;

<h2>North Korea and its&nbsp;social system</h2>

An official from the northeastern province of North Hamgyong told RFA's Korean Service that Kim's secret order, the content of which was confidential, was delivered in emergency meetings in each province of the party committee leaders at the provincial, city and county levels.&nbsp;

The official spoke to the outlet on condition of anonymity because of security reasons.&nbsp;

As quoted, he said, "Our meeting was held at the provincial party committee's building located in Pohang district, in the city of Chongjin."&nbsp;

"The large number of suicide cases in the province was revealed and some officials … could not hide their anxious expressions," the official added.&nbsp;

Also read: '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/very-offended-north-korean-leaders-sister-slams-un-meeting-on-spy-satellite-launch-600283">Very offended': North Korean leader's sister slams UN meeting on spy satellite launch</a>&nbsp;

The official mentioned that there were 35 suicide cases this year in Chongjin and nearby Kyongsong county alone, the staggering data was delivered at the North Hamgyong meeting.&nbsp;

The official further added that most of the cases involved whole families ending their lives together. He said, "[The attendees] were shocked by the disclosure of suicide notes that criticised the country and the social system." &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Shangrila-La Dialogue: South Korean defence minister calls out ignorance on North Korea&nbsp;

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RFA reported that the attendees at the meeting in Ryanggang province were told that suicide has had a greater social impact than starvation, an official said while speaking on condition of anonymity.

He said, "Despite the suicide prevention policy ratified by the General Secretary, the officials were not able to come up with an appropriate solution. Most of the suicides were caused by severe poverty and starvation, so no one can come up with a countermeasure right now."&nbsp; 
 
 
&nbsp;

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North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has reportedly passed a secret order to ban suicide in the country, labelling it as a "treason against socialism". A report by Radio Free Asia claimed that Kim has ordered local governments to take preventative measures.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has reportedly passed a secret order to ban suicide in the country, labelling it as a "treason against socialism". A report by Radio Free Asia claimed that Kim has ordered local governments to take preventative measures. A government official told the outlet that the decision was made after data showed an increase in people taking their lives this year. As mentioned in the report, the South Korean National Intelligence Service claimed that suicides were up by about 40% compared to last year at the end of May. However, there's no confirmation of the data from North Korean authorities. As quoted, a spokesperson for South Korea's National Intelligence Service said: "There are a lot of internal unrest factors in North Korea due to people’s hardships." The spy agency apparently also mentioned that violent crimes are also on the rise in North Korea as people struggle to make ends meet. Also read: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un may have 'insomnia, alcohol dependency': South Korea's spy agency North Korea and its social system An official from the northeastern province of North Hamgyong told RFA's Korean Service that Kim's secret order, the content of which was confidential, was delivered in emergency meetings in each province of the party committee leaders at the provincial, city and county levels. The official spoke to the outlet on condition of anonymity because of security reasons. As quoted, he said, "Our meeting was held at the provincial party committee's building located in Pohang district, in the city of Chongjin." "The large number of suicide cases in the province was revealed and some officials … could not hide their anxious expressions," the official added. Also read: 'Very offended': North Korean leader's sister slams UN meeting on spy satellite launch The official mentioned that there were 35 suicide cases this year in Chongjin and nearby Kyongsong county alone, the staggering data was delivered at the North Hamgyong meeting. The official further added that most of the cases involved whole families ending their lives together. He said, "[The attendees] were shocked by the disclosure of suicide notes that criticised the country and the social system." Watch: Shangrila-La Dialogue: South Korean defence minister calls out ignorance on North Korea × RFA reported that the attendees at the meeting in Ryanggang province were told that suicide has had a greater social impact than starvation, an official said while speaking on condition of anonymity. He said, "Despite the suicide prevention policy ratified by the General Secretary, the officials were not able to come up with an appropriate solution. Most of the suicides were caused by severe poverty and starvation, so no one can come up with a countermeasure right now." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Has Kim Jong-un issued secret order to ban suicide in North Korea?

SITE intelligence group reported that Al-Qaeda said that its latest propaganda video was narrated by Ayman al-Zawahiri, reported to have died in a US drone strike in Kabul on July 31, 2022. Flight cancellations breached the 4000-mark on Friday as powerful winter storm continued to disrupt travel plans for thousands of fliers across the United States.&nbsp;Elon Musk ordered Twitter to remove an anti-suicide feature on the microblogging social media platform.

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/al-qaeda-says-latest-video-narrated-by-al-zawahiri-dead-for-five-months-546223">Al-Qaeda says latest video narrated by Al-Zawahiri 'dead' for five months</a>

<img src="http://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/24/320628-untitled-design-17.jpg" />

Terrorist organisation Al-Qaeda released a 35-minute video narrated by its leader Ayman al-Zawahiri, reported to have been killed on July 31, 2022 in a CIA drone strike in Afghanistan's Kabul.&nbsp;The latest recording is undated and the transcript did not point towards a time frame for when it could have been made.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-more-than-4400-flights-cancelled-on-friday-as-travellers-face-harrowing-christmas-week-546192">US: More than 4,400 flights cancelled on Friday as travellers face harrowing Christmas week</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/24/320608-flights.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

Flight cancellations breached the 4000-mark on Friday as powerful winter storm continued to disrupt travel plans for thousands of fliers across the United States.

A day after nearly 2,700 flight cancellations, several airlines hit the pause button on more than 4,400 flight operations on Friday, according to flight tracking site&nbsp;FlightAware.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, New York's LaGuardia and Chicago reported the highest flight cancellations on Friday, according to FlightAware data.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/clashes-erupt-at-paris-shooting-site-kurds-unhappy-with-french-govt-ruling-out-terrorist-act-546198">Clashes erupt at Paris shooting site, Kurds unhappy with French govt ruling out terrorist act</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/24/320611-kurds.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

Massive protests have erupted in Paris following the killing of three Kurds in what is being described as a possible racist attack.

The Kurdish diaspora living in Paris feel outraged after the investigators did not consider the attack at a Kurdish centre to be an act of terrorism.

On Friday morning, a 69-year-old man opened fire on a group of people at the Ahmet-Kaya centre on Rue d’Enghien in the 10th arrondissement. Three people have been wounded, one critically.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/elon-musk-ordered-twitter-to-remove-suicide-prevention-prompts-546218">Elon Musk ordered Twitter to remove suicide-prevention prompts</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/24/320624-zdchwhwdsrk5xk5b6wgaeqx7ducopy1200x6751.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

Elon Musk ordered Twitter to remove an anti-suicide feature on the microblogging social media platform. The feature, that showed prompts related to suicide-prevention and anti-self harm hotlines in at least 30 countries worldwide, was no more available starting Thursday evening, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/british-tabloid-the-sun-regrets-publishing-meghan-hate-article-546221">The Sun takes down Jeremy Clarkson's article on Meghan, issues apology</a>

British tabloid The Sun on Friday said it regretted publishing a column by former Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson about Prince Harry's wife Meghan after a huge backlash.

In the article for The Sun last week, Clarkson wrote that he "hated" Meghan and dreamed of the day "when she is made to parade naked through the streets of every town in Britain while the crowds chant, 'Shame!' and throw lumps of excrement at her".

SITE intelligence group reported that Al-Qaeda said that its latest propaganda video was narrated by Ayman al-Zawahiri, reported to have died in a US drone strike in Kabul on July 31, 2022.

SITE intelligence group reported that Al-Qaeda said that its latest propaganda video was narrated by Ayman al-Zawahiri, reported to have died in a US drone strike in Kabul on July 31, 2022. Flight cancellations breached the 4000-mark on Friday as powerful winter storm continued to disrupt travel plans for thousands of fliers across the United States. Elon Musk ordered Twitter to remove an anti-suicide feature on the microblogging social media platform. Click on the headlines to read more: Al-Qaeda says latest video narrated by Al-Zawahiri 'dead' for five months Terrorist organisation Al-Qaeda released a 35-minute video narrated by its leader Ayman al-Zawahiri, reported to have been killed on July 31, 2022 in a CIA drone strike in Afghanistan's Kabul. The latest recording is undated and the transcript did not point towards a time frame for when it could have been made. US: More than 4,400 flights cancelled on Friday as travellers face harrowing Christmas week Flight cancellations breached the 4000-mark on Friday as powerful winter storm continued to disrupt travel plans for thousands of fliers across the United States. A day after nearly 2,700 flight cancellations, several airlines hit the pause button on more than 4,400 flight operations on Friday, according to flight tracking site FlightAware. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, New York's LaGuardia and Chicago reported the highest flight cancellations on Friday, according to FlightAware data. Clashes erupt at Paris shooting site, Kurds unhappy with French govt ruling out terrorist act Massive protests have erupted in Paris following the killing of three Kurds in what is being described as a possible racist attack. The Kurdish diaspora living in Paris feel outraged after the investigators did not consider the attack at a Kurdish centre to be an act of terrorism. On Friday morning, a 69-year-old man opened fire on a group of people at the Ahmet-Kaya centre on Rue d’Enghien in the 10th arrondissement. Three people have been wounded, one critically. Elon Musk ordered Twitter to remove suicide-prevention prompts Elon Musk ordered Twitter to remove an anti-suicide feature on the microblogging social media platform. The feature, that showed prompts related to suicide-prevention and anti-self harm hotlines in at least 30 countries worldwide, was no more available starting Thursday evening, Reuters reported. The Sun takes down Jeremy Clarkson's article on Meghan, issues apology British tabloid The Sun on Friday said it regretted publishing a column by former Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson about Prince Harry's wife Meghan after a huge backlash. In the article for The Sun last week, Clarkson wrote that he "hated" Meghan and dreamed of the day "when she is made to parade naked through the streets of every town in Britain while the crowds chant, 'Shame!' and throw lumps of excrement at her".

Morning Brief: Al-Zawahiri dead or alive? Musk's Twitter removes suicide prevention prompts and more

A feature which promoted safety resources, including suicide prevention hotlines, to users searching for certain content was restored by Twitter Inc after it faced heat over its removal from consumer safety groups and few users, says&nbsp;a Reuters report.&nbsp;A report was published by Reuters on Friday stating that Twitter had removed the feature a few days ago, as it cited two people who knew about the matter saying that the owner of the micro-blogging site Elon Musk had ordered the removal.

After the report was published, the removal of the feature was confirmed by the Twitter head of trust and safety Ella Irwin, who called it a temporary move.&nbsp;

ALSO READ| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/elon-musk-ordered-twitter-to-remove-suicide-prevention-prompts-546218">Elon Musk ordered Twitter to remove suicide-prevention prompts</a>

"We have been fixing and revamping our prompts. They were just temporarily removed while we do that. We expect to have them back up next week," said Irwin in an email sent to Reuters.

After 15 hours of publishing the report, Musk, who initially refused to comment on the matter, tweeted, "False, it is still there". Responding to the criticism received by Twitter users, he added, "Twitter doesn't prevent suicide”.&nbsp;

When a user searched for certain topics, the feature called #ThereIsHelp added a banner at the top of the search results. The feature provided contacts of support organisations related to HIV, child sexual exploitation, mental health, gender-based violence, vaccines, freedom of expression and natural disasters present in many countries.&nbsp;

The removal of the feature led to concerns being raised by some Twitter users and consumer safety groups about the well-being of users of the social media platform.

WATCH| Twitter Blue Tick Relaunched: Elon Musk plans to roll out gold and grey ticks next Friday

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Eirliani Abdul Rahman, who was part of Twitter's dissolved content advisory group, said that the removal of #ThereIsHelp was "extremely disconcerting and profoundly disturbing".

Even though it was removed temporarily to bring in improvements, "normally you would be working on it in parallel, not removing it," she added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A feature which promoted safety resources, including suicide prevention hotlines, to users searching for certain content was restored by Twitter Inc after it faced heat over its removal from consumer safety groups and few users, says a Reuters report.

A feature which promoted safety resources, including suicide prevention hotlines, to users searching for certain content was restored by Twitter Inc after it faced heat over its removal from consumer safety groups and few users, says a Reuters report. A report was published by Reuters on Friday stating that Twitter had removed the feature a few days ago, as it cited two people who knew about the matter saying that the owner of the micro-blogging site Elon Musk had ordered the removal. After the report was published, the removal of the feature was confirmed by the Twitter head of trust and safety Ella Irwin, who called it a temporary move. ALSO READ| Elon Musk ordered Twitter to remove suicide-prevention prompts "We have been fixing and revamping our prompts. They were just temporarily removed while we do that. We expect to have them back up next week," said Irwin in an email sent to Reuters. After 15 hours of publishing the report, Musk, who initially refused to comment on the matter, tweeted, "False, it is still there". Responding to the criticism received by Twitter users, he added, "Twitter doesn't prevent suicide”. When a user searched for certain topics, the feature called #ThereIsHelp added a banner at the top of the search results. The feature provided contacts of support organisations related to HIV, child sexual exploitation, mental health, gender-based violence, vaccines, freedom of expression and natural disasters present in many countries. The removal of the feature led to concerns being raised by some Twitter users and consumer safety groups about the well-being of users of the social media platform. WATCH| Twitter Blue Tick Relaunched: Elon Musk plans to roll out gold and grey ticks next Friday Eirliani Abdul Rahman, who was part of Twitter's dissolved content advisory group, said that the removal of #ThereIsHelp was "extremely disconcerting and profoundly disturbing". Even though it was removed temporarily to bring in improvements, "normally you would be working on it in parallel, not removing it," she added. (With inputs from agencies)

Twitter restores feature promoting hotlines for suicide prevention: report

Elon Musk ordered Twitter to remove an anti-suicide feature on the microblogging social media platform. The feature, that showed prompts related to suicide-prevention and anti-self harm hotlines in at least 30 countries worldwide, was no more available starting Thursday evening, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

What was Twitter's anti-suicide feature?

The feature, known as #ThereIsHelp, showed at the top of specific searches contacts for support organisations in many countries related to mental health, HIV, vaccines, child sexual exploitation, Covid19, gender-based violence, natural disasters and freedom of expression.

What does its elimination mean?

Its elimination could add to concerns about the well-being of vulnerable users on Twitter. Civil Rights advocates in the past few months have reported an increase in tweets with racial slurs and other hateful content, despite Musk's contrary claims.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/floodgates-open-for-hate-speech-against-black-transgender-persons-after-elon-musks-twitter-takeover-539604">Floodgates opened for hate speech against black, transgender people&nbsp;after Elon Musk's Twitter takeover</a>

The removal of the feature has created ripples of concerns among civil rights and mental health advocates in parts of the world. Washington-based Aids United, which was promoted in #ThereIsHelp, and iLaw, a Thai group featured over freedom of expression support, both told Reuters on Friday that the disappearance of the feature was a surprise to them.

WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-fineprint-elon-musk-buys-twitter-529238">Explained: The future of Twitter under Elon Musk</a>

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Twitter had launched now-removed prompts about five years ago, according to company tweets. In one of its blog posts about the feature from its pre-Elon Musk days, Twitter had said it had responsibility to ensure users could "access and receive support on our service when they need it most".&nbsp;

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Elon Musk ordered Twitter to remove an anti-suicide feature on the microblogging social media platform. The feature, that showed prompts related to suicide-prevention and anti-self harm hotlines in at least 30 countries worldwide, was no more available starting Thursday evening, Reuters reported.

Elon Musk ordered Twitter to remove an anti-suicide feature on the microblogging social media platform. The feature, that showed prompts related to suicide-prevention and anti-self harm hotlines in at least 30 countries worldwide, was no more available starting Thursday evening, Reuters reported. What was Twitter's anti-suicide feature? The feature, known as #ThereIsHelp, showed at the top of specific searches contacts for support organisations in many countries related to mental health, HIV, vaccines, child sexual exploitation, Covid19, gender-based violence, natural disasters and freedom of expression. What does its elimination mean? Its elimination could add to concerns about the well-being of vulnerable users on Twitter. Civil Rights advocates in the past few months have reported an increase in tweets with racial slurs and other hateful content, despite Musk's contrary claims. ALSO READ | Floodgates opened for hate speech against black, transgender people after Elon Musk's Twitter takeover The removal of the feature has created ripples of concerns among civil rights and mental health advocates in parts of the world. Washington-based Aids United, which was promoted in #ThereIsHelp, and iLaw, a Thai group featured over freedom of expression support, both told Reuters on Friday that the disappearance of the feature was a surprise to them. WATCH | Explained: The future of Twitter under Elon Musk × Twitter had launched now-removed prompts about five years ago, according to company tweets. In one of its blog posts about the feature from its pre-Elon Musk days, Twitter had said it had responsibility to ensure users could "access and receive support on our service when they need it most". WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Elon Musk ordered Twitter to remove suicide-prevention prompts

India accounts for nearly one lakh (0.1 million) deaths due to suicide every year, said a report by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Therefore, with the aim to reduce suicide mortality, the government, on Monday, announced the first of its kind, National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS) in India. It maps New Delhi’s time-bound action plan to reduce suicide mortality by 10 per cent (approximately 10,000) by 2030.&nbsp; 
 
India’s record number of suicides

In the last three years, the suicide mortality rate has increased from 10.2 to 11.3 per 100,000 population, said a report by the health ministry. Additionally, the country with the highest youth population also accounts for the most number of suicides recorded among people aged 15-29 years. Furthermore, around 71 per cent of males and 29 per cent of females account for the total number of deaths by suicide in India.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-ncrb-data-shows-increase-in-deaths-by-suicide-in-2021-511188">India: NCRB data shows increase in deaths by suicide in 2021</a>

The report also said that the most common reason for committing suicide included family problems (34 per cent) and illnesses (18 per cent). It also noted the economic and professional status of an individual as a factor in the number of suicides as 63.3 per cent occurred among those who earn less than Rs. 1 lakh per annum ($0.1 million) in 2020.&nbsp;

This number nearly halved among those earning between Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 5 lakh ($0.5 million) per annum in the same year. The document highlights that across the world at least one in three women who commit suicide are in India while men account for one in four along the same parameter. According to the report, over 60 per cent of suicides happen among people aged 18-45 years.&nbsp;

Last year, India’s rate of deaths by suicide reached a record high with 1,64,033 who took their lives due to various reasons, said a report by the country’s National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). This is a 7.2 per cent increase from the preceding year and implies that India saw over 400 deaths due to suicide every day in 2021.&nbsp;

What is the National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS)?

The health ministry, citing the grim data, broadly seeks to establish effective surveillance mechanisms in the next three years to achieve a 10 per cent reduction in suicide mortality by 2030 through the NSPS.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-more-indians-died-of-suicide-than-of-covid-19-in-2020-426247">Gravitas: More Indians died of suicide than of Covid-19 in 2020</a>

Some of these mechanisms include establishing psychiatric outpatient departments through the District Mental Health Programme in all districts across the country by 2027 to provide suicide prevention services. Additionally, in line with this programme, the government will also incorporate courses related to mental well-being in educational institutes across India within the next eight years.&nbsp;

In a statement, India’s Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said that preventing suicides is now a public health priority and impacts all sections of society. Therefore, it requires “concerted and collaborative efforts” from individuals as well as the community at large.&nbsp;

One of the priorities of this NSPS also includes reducing easy access to means of suicide, in line with which the government plans to phase out hazardous pesticides. The report also noted that the most common method of committing suicide is hanging and poisoning, followed by drowning and immolation. The government also plans to create guidelines for the media on responsible reporting about suicides.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-takes-huge-step-forward-by-announcing-mental-health-initiatives-in-its-budget-449965">How India took a huge step forward by announcing mental health initiatives in its budget</a>

“The most important is early identification of psychiatric illness and early treatment by 80-90%. Because the main problem with suicide is hidden psychiatric morbidity,” said Dr Rajesh Sagar, head of the psychiatric department at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and one of the authors of the report.&nbsp;

Furthermore, citing the report he said that in nearly every case of one suicide there have been at least 10-20 previous attempts to do so and it could be higher. He added, “Therefore, we have suggested several protective factors against suicide such as early primary treatment, psychological support, access to quality treatment, restrict access to means of suicides.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

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

WION is not associated with any of these organisations and does not make any recommendations

 
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India accounts for nearly one lakh (0.1 million) deaths due to suicide every year, said a report by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Therefore, with the aim to reduce suicide mortality, the government, on Monday, announced the first of its kind, National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS) in India.

India accounts for nearly one lakh (0.1 million) deaths due to suicide every year, said a report by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Therefore, with the aim to reduce suicide mortality, the government, on Monday, announced the first of its kind, National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS) in India. It maps New Delhi’s time-bound action plan to reduce suicide mortality by 10 per cent (approximately 10,000) by 2030. India’s record number of suicides In the last three years, the suicide mortality rate has increased from 10.2 to 11.3 per 100,000 population, said a report by the health ministry. Additionally, the country with the highest youth population also accounts for the most number of suicides recorded among people aged 15-29 years. Furthermore, around 71 per cent of males and 29 per cent of females account for the total number of deaths by suicide in India. ALSO READ | India: NCRB data shows increase in deaths by suicide in 2021 The report also said that the most common reason for committing suicide included family problems (34 per cent) and illnesses (18 per cent). It also noted the economic and professional status of an individual as a factor in the number of suicides as 63.3 per cent occurred among those who earn less than Rs. 1 lakh per annum ($0.1 million) in 2020. This number nearly halved among those earning between Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 5 lakh ($0.5 million) per annum in the same year. The document highlights that across the world at least one in three women who commit suicide are in India while men account for one in four along the same parameter. According to the report, over 60 per cent of suicides happen among people aged 18-45 years. Last year, India’s rate of deaths by suicide reached a record high with 1,64,033 who took their lives due to various reasons, said a report by the country’s National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). This is a 7.2 per cent increase from the preceding year and implies that India saw over 400 deaths due to suicide every day in 2021. What is the National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS)? The health ministry, citing the grim data, broadly seeks to establish effective surveillance mechanisms in the next three years to achieve a 10 per cent reduction in suicide mortality by 2030 through the NSPS. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas: More Indians died of suicide than of Covid-19 in 2020 Some of these mechanisms include establishing psychiatric outpatient departments through the District Mental Health Programme in all districts across the country by 2027 to provide suicide prevention services. Additionally, in line with this programme, the government will also incorporate courses related to mental well-being in educational institutes across India within the next eight years. In a statement, India’s Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said that preventing suicides is now a public health priority and impacts all sections of society. Therefore, it requires “concerted and collaborative efforts” from individuals as well as the community at large. One of the priorities of this NSPS also includes reducing easy access to means of suicide, in line with which the government plans to phase out hazardous pesticides. The report also noted that the most common method of committing suicide is hanging and poisoning, followed by drowning and immolation. The government also plans to create guidelines for the media on responsible reporting about suicides. ALSO READ | How India took a huge step forward by announcing mental health initiatives in its budget “The most important is early identification of psychiatric illness and early treatment by 80-90%. Because the main problem with suicide is hidden psychiatric morbidity,” said Dr Rajesh Sagar, head of the psychiatric department at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and one of the authors of the report. Furthermore, citing the report he said that in nearly every case of one suicide there have been at least 10-20 previous attempts to do so and it could be higher. He added, “Therefore, we have suggested several protective factors against suicide such as early primary treatment, psychological support, access to quality treatment, restrict access to means of suicides.” (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 WION is not associated with any of these organisations and does not make any recommendations WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

In a first, Indian government announces strategy for suicide prevention: Here’s what you need to know

It has been often argued and believed that women are more vulnerable than men. However, the latest suicide figures pertaining to the year 2020 of National Crime Records Bureau tells a different story. The suicide cases of males are more than double than that of females. As per the data, there were 1,53,052 suicide deaths in the year 2020 which means 419 suicide deaths per day. Male suicide deaths consisted of 1,08,532 (70.91%) while female suicide deaths consisted of 44,498 (29.07%), and the balance of 22 suicide deaths consisted of transgenders. 

Such huge suicide cases of men may be attributed to gender stereotype. There is a generalized view about attributes that are ought to be possessed by males and females. Men are perceived to be agentic (aggressive, strong, determined, competitive, intelligent etc.). On the other hand, females are perceived to be communal (caring, sensitive, honest, understanding, sympathetic etc.). When a man deviates from his gender stereotype, he faces backlash. This is one of the pivotal reasons why most men do not discuss their problems or sufferings with others to let go of the frustration or find a possible solution to the problem/suffering and ultimately end their lives leading to a higher number of suicide deaths.

National Crime Records Bureau also presents shocking suicide deaths figures pertaining to professional/career problems. Males happen to be more vulnerable than females in the workplace as per the suicide death figures. The total suicide deaths due to professional/career problems for the year 2020 were 1837 which implies 5 suicide deaths per day. Male suicide deaths consisted of 1602 (87.20%) while female suicide deaths consisted of 234 (12.74%) and the balance one suicidal death case pertains to transgender. Although, National Crime Records does not categorically mention the exact nature of professional/career problems; however, the professional/career problems may be attributed to Bullying and harassment at workplace irrespective of gender; Poor career growth; Sexual harassment particularly among women employees; non-performance etc. 

While stringent laws are available to deal with sexual harassment against women in the workplace; sadly, there is hardly any law to deal with bullying and harassment at the workplace. There is no legal definition of bully and harassment in the workplace. However, researchers define workplace bullying as “Offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour, an abuse or misuse of power through means that undermine, humiliate, denigrate or injure the recipient”. Bullying and harassment may be done either by a senior member in an organization to its junior member or by colleagues. 

Men are also victims of gender stereotypes - e.g. unemployment. In our society, it is expected that men should work and earn livelihoods to support their families and parents. Thus, when he is unable to find suitable employment, the ultimate path adopted is suicide. As per National Crime Records Bureau, the total unemployment suicide deaths were 3548, out of which 3237 (91.23%) were males; 309 (8.71%) were females and the balance 2 suicidal death cases pertain to transgender.

One may argue whether attempt to suicide is a criminal office in India since such attempts are done when an individual is severely stressed. Section 309 in the Indian Penal Code criminalizes attempt to suicide as crime which reads as “Whoever attempts to commit suicide and does any act towards the commission of such offence, shall he punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year 1[or with fine, or with both]”. However, section 115 of Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 gives relief to a stressed individual who attempts suicide. The section 115 reads “Notwithstanding anything contained in section 309 of the Indian Penal Code any person who attempts to commit suicide shall be presumed, unless proved otherwise, to have severe stress and shall not be tried and punished under the said Code”.

It raises a grave concern at the significantly higher number of suicide deaths in India for both men and women. It equally raises high concern over higher suicide deaths of men with 70.91%, making them more vulnerable in society. A mechanism needs to be put in place by the government for curbing suicide deaths by taking into consideration the various factors which forces an individual for suicide attempt.

It has been often argued and believed that women are more vulnerable than men. However, the latest suicide figures pertaining to the year 2020 of National Crime Records Bureau tells a different story.

It has been often argued and believed that women are more vulnerable than men. However, the latest suicide figures pertaining to the year 2020 of National Crime Records Bureau tells a different story. The suicide cases of males are more than double than that of females. As per the data, there were 1,53,052 suicide deaths in the year 2020 which means 419 suicide deaths per day. Male suicide deaths consisted of 1,08,532 (70.91%) while female suicide deaths consisted of 44,498 (29.07%), and the balance of 22 suicide deaths consisted of transgenders. Such huge suicide cases of men may be attributed to gender stereotype. There is a generalized view about attributes that are ought to be possessed by males and females. Men are perceived to be agentic (aggressive, strong, determined, competitive, intelligent etc.). On the other hand, females are perceived to be communal (caring, sensitive, honest, understanding, sympathetic etc.). When a man deviates from his gender stereotype, he faces backlash. This is one of the pivotal reasons why most men do not discuss their problems or sufferings with others to let go of the frustration or find a possible solution to the problem/suffering and ultimately end their lives leading to a higher number of suicide deaths. National Crime Records Bureau also presents shocking suicide deaths figures pertaining to professional/career problems. Males happen to be more vulnerable than females in the workplace as per the suicide death figures. The total suicide deaths due to professional/career problems for the year 2020 were 1837 which implies 5 suicide deaths per day. Male suicide deaths consisted of 1602 (87.20%) while female suicide deaths consisted of 234 (12.74%) and the balance one suicidal death case pertains to transgender. Although, National Crime Records does not categorically mention the exact nature of professional/career problems; however, the professional/career problems may be attributed to Bullying and harassment at workplace irrespective of gender; Poor career growth; Sexual harassment particularly among women employees; non-performance etc. While stringent laws are available to deal with sexual harassment against women in the workplace; sadly, there is hardly any law to deal with bullying and harassment at the workplace. There is no legal definition of bully and harassment in the workplace. However, researchers define workplace bullying as “Offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour, an abuse or misuse of power through means that undermine, humiliate, denigrate or injure the recipient”. Bullying and harassment may be done either by a senior member in an organization to its junior member or by colleagues. Men are also victims of gender stereotypes - e.g. unemployment. In our society, it is expected that men should work and earn livelihoods to support their families and parents. Thus, when he is unable to find suitable employment, the ultimate path adopted is suicide. As per National Crime Records Bureau, the total unemployment suicide deaths were 3548, out of which 3237 (91.23%) were males; 309 (8.71%) were females and the balance 2 suicidal death cases pertain to transgender. One may argue whether attempt to suicide is a criminal office in India since such attempts are done when an individual is severely stressed. Section 309 in the Indian Penal Code criminalizes attempt to suicide as crime which reads as “Whoever attempts to commit suicide and does any act towards the commission of such offence, shall he punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year 1[or with fine, or with both]”. However, section 115 of Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 gives relief to a stressed individual who attempts suicide. The section 115 reads “Notwithstanding anything contained in section 309 of the Indian Penal Code any person who attempts to commit suicide shall be presumed, unless proved otherwise, to have severe stress and shall not be tried and punished under the said Code”. It raises a grave concern at the significantly higher number of suicide deaths in India for both men and women. It equally raises high concern over higher suicide deaths of men with 70.91%, making them more vulnerable in society. A mechanism needs to be put in place by the government for curbing suicide deaths by taking into consideration the various factors which forces an individual for suicide attempt.

Are men more vulnerable than women in India?

Researchers from the Seoul Institute of Technology&nbsp;are using artificial intelligence to detect and prevent suicide attempts.

To do so,&nbsp;the AI system they are developing has been learning patterns of behaviour by analysing data from cameras, sensors, and the dispatch records of rescue services since April 2020.

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Based on information from hours of CCTV footage and assessing details such as the hesitation of the person, the AI can then forecast a hazardous situation and immediately alert rescue teams, principal researcher Kim Jun-chul said.

“We believe the new CCTV will enable our crews to detect the cases a bit faster and help us head to a call more promptly,” Kim Hyeong-gil, who is in charge of the Yeouido Water Rescue Brigade, told Reuters as he monitored real-time footage from bridges on Seoul's Han River.

Kim's team have been working with the researchers to come up with the technology that his crew and the Seoul Fire and Disaster Headquarters will be piloting from October. Their work cannot come quickly enough.

South Korea, with a population of 52 million people in 2019, had the highest suicide rate in the OECD. More than 13,700 people took their own lives the same year, government data showed.

Nearly 500 suicide attempts are reported on 27 bridges over the nearly 500 km (300 miles) long Han River every year, the city said.

The number of rescue dispatches surged about 30 per cent&nbsp;in 2020 compared to the year before and many of the attempts were made by the people in their 20s and 30s as the coronavirus pandemic brought greater economic hardship and increased the battle for jobs, the rescue brigade's Kim said.

"The system learns the footage itself, which can bring about improved results by greatly reducing false alarms," the principal researcher said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Researchers from the Seoul Institute of Technology are using artificial intelligence to detect and prevent suicide attempts. To do so, the AI system they are developing has been learning patterns of behaviour by analysing data from cameras, sensors, and the dispatch records of rescue services since April 2020.

Researchers from the Seoul Institute of Technology are using artificial intelligence to detect and prevent suicide attempts. To do so, the AI system they are developing has been learning patterns of behaviour by analysing data from cameras, sensors, and the dispatch records of rescue services since April 2020. Based on information from hours of CCTV footage and assessing details such as the hesitation of the person, the AI can then forecast a hazardous situation and immediately alert rescue teams, principal researcher Kim Jun-chul said. “We believe the new CCTV will enable our crews to detect the cases a bit faster and help us head to a call more promptly,” Kim Hyeong-gil, who is in charge of the Yeouido Water Rescue Brigade, told Reuters as he monitored real-time footage from bridges on Seoul's Han River. Kim's team have been working with the researchers to come up with the technology that his crew and the Seoul Fire and Disaster Headquarters will be piloting from October. Their work cannot come quickly enough. South Korea, with a population of 52 million people in 2019, had the highest suicide rate in the OECD. More than 13,700 people took their own lives the same year, government data showed. Nearly 500 suicide attempts are reported on 27 bridges over the nearly 500 km (300 miles) long Han River every year, the city said. The number of rescue dispatches surged about 30 per cent in 2020 compared to the year before and many of the attempts were made by the people in their 20s and 30s as the coronavirus pandemic brought greater economic hardship and increased the battle for jobs, the rescue brigade's Kim said. "The system learns the footage itself, which can bring about improved results by greatly reducing false alarms," the principal researcher said. (With inputs from agencies)

AI to detect and prevent suicide attempts? Researchers make unique innovation

Officials from a California school district were left red-faced after students who dialled a suicide prevention hotline listed on their ID badges instead stumbled on a sex line.

"I was just kind of flabbergasted. I was very surprised," parent Janene Lavelle told the local ABC station after her daughter, who attends middle school, alerted her to the mixup.

Lavelle said the teen had dialled the number for kicks and was in disbelief when she got a sex hotline.

"Someone who genuinely needs help like that, they shouldn't hear that kind of thing from what they thought was going to help them," the student was quoted as telling a local CBS affiliate.&nbsp;

"They should fact-check that kind of thing."

The suicide prevention number was in a directory of emergency lines and other resources on the back of badges for students at New Vista Middle School in Lancaster, a 90-minute drive north of downtown Los Angeles.

However, because of a mistake with just one digit, a sex hotline number instead of the correct suicide prevention number was given to students.

"Late yesterday we were made aware that the middle school student ID cards have the wrong phone number listed for the suicide hotline," the Lancaster Unified School district said in a statement on Tuesday.&nbsp;

"The phone numbers have two digits transposed and this is a mistake. The number listed on the card is actually a sex line."

School officials said they have collected all the old badges and planned to issue new ones -- this time with the correct number.

Officials from a California school district were left red-faced after students who dialled a suicide prevention hotline listed on their ID badges instead stumbled on a sex line.

Officials from a California school district were left red-faced after students who dialled a suicide prevention hotline listed on their ID badges instead stumbled on a sex line. "I was just kind of flabbergasted. I was very surprised," parent Janene Lavelle told the local ABC station after her daughter, who attends middle school, alerted her to the mixup. Lavelle said the teen had dialled the number for kicks and was in disbelief when she got a sex hotline. "Someone who genuinely needs help like that, they shouldn't hear that kind of thing from what they thought was going to help them," the student was quoted as telling a local CBS affiliate. "They should fact-check that kind of thing." The suicide prevention number was in a directory of emergency lines and other resources on the back of badges for students at New Vista Middle School in Lancaster, a 90-minute drive north of downtown Los Angeles. However, because of a mistake with just one digit, a sex hotline number instead of the correct suicide prevention number was given to students. "Late yesterday we were made aware that the middle school student ID cards have the wrong phone number listed for the suicide hotline," the Lancaster Unified School district said in a statement on Tuesday. "The phone numbers have two digits transposed and this is a mistake. The number listed on the card is actually a sex line." School officials said they have collected all the old badges and planned to issue new ones -- this time with the correct number.

US students called suicide hotline but instead got sex line

UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Wednesday announced the introduction of a new portfolio&nbsp;for suicide prevention in his ministry.

Health Minister Jackie Doyle Price who has been allocated the new ministry will now be called the minister for mental health, inequalities and suicide prevention.

Doyle who is believed to be the world's first minister for suicide prevention will ensure that every local area has developed effective plans to curb unnecessary deaths.&nbsp;

The ministry will also investigate how they can utilise technology in identifying the most vulnerable.

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Very pleased to receive so many messages of goodwill following <a href="https://twitter.com/10DowningStreet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@10DowningStreet</a> announcement on suicide prevention. Very pleased to support <a href="https://twitter.com/samaritans?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@samaritans</a> whose work is do critical <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldMentalHealthDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldMentalHealthDay</a>
— Jackie Doyle-Price (@JackieDP) <a href="https://twitter.com/JackieDP/status/1049952832168824832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In an interview with BBC, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said that the mental health did not have the same level of support in the form of resources and attention as physical health.

He also added that the government wanted to ensure that mental health occupies a crucial place as they list down the long-term plan for the future of National Health Service.

UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Wednesday announced the introduction of a new portfolio for suicide prevention in his ministry. Health Minister Jackie Doyle Price who has been allocated the new ministry will now be called the minister for mental health, inequalities and suicide prevention.

UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Wednesday announced the introduction of a new portfolio for suicide prevention in his ministry. Health Minister Jackie Doyle Price who has been allocated the new ministry will now be called the minister for mental health, inequalities and suicide prevention. Doyle who is believed to be the world's first minister for suicide prevention will ensure that every local area has developed effective plans to curb unnecessary deaths. The ministry will also investigate how they can utilise technology in identifying the most vulnerable. Very pleased to receive so many messages of goodwill following @10DowningStreet announcement on suicide prevention. Very pleased to support @samaritans whose work is do critical #WorldMentalHealthDay — Jackie Doyle-Price (@JackieDP) October 10, 2018 × In an interview with BBC, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said that the mental health did not have the same level of support in the form of resources and attention as physical health. He also added that the government wanted to ensure that mental health occupies a crucial place as they list down the long-term plan for the future of National Health Service.

UK appoints new minister for suicide prevention

Facebook Inc will expand its pattern recognition software to other countries after successful tests in the United States to detect users with suicidal intent, the world&#39;s largest social media network said on Monday.

Facebook began testing the software in the United States in March when the company started scanning the text of Facebook posts and comments for phrases that could be signals of an impending suicide.

Facebook has not disclosed many technical details of the program, but the company said its software searches for certain phrases that could be clues, such as the questions &quot;Are you ok?&quot; and &quot;Can I help?&quot;

If the software detects a potential suicide, it alerts a team of Facebook workers who specialize in handling such reports. The system suggests resources to the user or to friends of the person such as a telephone helpline. Facebook workers sometimes call local authorities to intervene.

Guy Rosen, Facebook&#39;s vice president for product management, said the company was beginning to roll out the software outside the United States because the tests have been successful. During the past month, he said, first responders, checked on people more than 100 times after Facebook software detected suicidal intent.

Facebook said it tries to have specialist employees available at any hour to call authorities in local languages.

&quot;Speed really matters. We have to get help to people in real time,&quot; Rosen said.

Last year, when Facebook launched live video broadcasting, videos proliferated of violent acts including suicides and murders, presenting a threat to the company&#39;s image. In May Facebook said it would hire 3,000 more people to monitor videos and other content.

Rosen did not name the countries where Facebook was deploying the software, but he said it would eventually be used worldwide except in the European Union due to sensitivities, which he declined to discuss.

Other tech firms also try to prevent suicides. Google&#39;s search engine displays the phone number for a suicide hotline in response to certain searches.

Facebook knows lots about its 2.1 billion users - data that it uses for targeted advertising - but in general the company has not been known previously to systematically scan conversations for patterns of harmful behavior.

One exception is its efforts to spot suspicious conversations between children and adult sexual predators. Facebook sometimes contacts authorities when its automated screens pick up inappropriate language.

But it may be more difficult for tech firms to justify scanning conversations in other situations, said Ryan Calo, a University of Washington law professor who writes about tech.

&quot;Once you open the door, you might wonder what other kinds of things we would be looking for,&quot; Calo said.

Rosen declined to say if Facebook was considering pattern recognition software in other areas, such as non-sex crimes.

Facebook began testing the software in the United States in March when the company started scanning the text of Facebook posts and comments for phrases that could be signals of an impending suicide

Facebook Inc will expand its pattern recognition software to other countries after successful tests in the United States to detect users with suicidal intent, the world's largest social media network said on Monday. Facebook began testing the software in the United States in March when the company started scanning the text of Facebook posts and comments for phrases that could be signals of an impending suicide. Facebook has not disclosed many technical details of the program, but the company said its software searches for certain phrases that could be clues, such as the questions "Are you ok?" and "Can I help?" If the software detects a potential suicide, it alerts a team of Facebook workers who specialize in handling such reports. The system suggests resources to the user or to friends of the person such as a telephone helpline. Facebook workers sometimes call local authorities to intervene. Guy Rosen, Facebook's vice president for product management, said the company was beginning to roll out the software outside the United States because the tests have been successful. During the past month, he said, first responders, checked on people more than 100 times after Facebook software detected suicidal intent. Facebook said it tries to have specialist employees available at any hour to call authorities in local languages. "Speed really matters. We have to get help to people in real time," Rosen said. Last year, when Facebook launched live video broadcasting, videos proliferated of violent acts including suicides and murders, presenting a threat to the company's image. In May Facebook said it would hire 3,000 more people to monitor videos and other content. Rosen did not name the countries where Facebook was deploying the software, but he said it would eventually be used worldwide except in the European Union due to sensitivities, which he declined to discuss. Other tech firms also try to prevent suicides. Google's search engine displays the phone number for a suicide hotline in response to certain searches. Facebook knows lots about its 2.1 billion users - data that it uses for targeted advertising - but in general the company has not been known previously to systematically scan conversations for patterns of harmful behavior. One exception is its efforts to spot suspicious conversations between children and adult sexual predators. Facebook sometimes contacts authorities when its automated screens pick up inappropriate language. But it may be more difficult for tech firms to justify scanning conversations in other situations, said Ryan Calo, a University of Washington law professor who writes about tech. "Once you open the door, you might wonder what other kinds of things we would be looking for," Calo said. Rosen declined to say if Facebook was considering pattern recognition software in other areas, such as non-sex crimes.

Facebook to expand artificial intelligence to help prevent suicide

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