Instagram now allows users to report suicide-related posts anonymously

Instagram now allows users to anonymously flag posts related to suicide or self-harm. Many active Instagram users who have no idea about the launch have noticed the changes in the past few weeks.

The tool relies on the reports of real users that teams around the world monitors. The team reviews the reports to validate if the post shows signs of suicide or self-injury threat.

“They prioritise the most serious reports and respond quickly. If someone on Instagram sees a direct threat of suicide or self-injury, we encourage them to contact local emergency services immediately,” Marni Tomljanovic Instagram spokeswoman told The Wall Street Journal.

An Instagram user can report posts that indicate self-harm, suicide and eating disorders. Once the team agrees that there is a sign of threat, it sends the flagged user the "Can we help?" notification. It is accompanied by a message that says, “Someone saw one of your posts and thinks you might be going through a difficult time. If you need support, we’d like to help.” It then gives users three different options: message or call a friend, get in touch with a helpline, or reading through tips and support.

The flagged user can choose among the three options which include Talk to a friend, Contact a helpline and Get tips and support. The feature aims to encourage the flagged user to reach out to someone who can give help.

"These tools are designed to let you know that you are surrounded by a community that cares about you, at a moment when you might most need that reminder," Marne Levine, Instagram COO, told Seventeen Magazine. "At the same time, we understand friends and family often want to offer support but don't know how best to reach out."

Mental health groups help in this project that provides appropriate words for the prompts. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the National Eating Disorders Association support the project.