NEW YORK, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Mental Health Coalition (MHC) announced today a new program called Thrive, the first cross-industry signal sharing program designed to help stop the spread of suicide and self-harm content across different internet platforms. The goal is to increase industry collaboration, prevent online challenges from spreading virally, and help improve early detection of content that could potentially pose a safety risk.

Suicidal and self-harm content online can manifest in diverse forms, including viral challenges, text posts, visual media (images and livestreams), etc. While approaches employed by internet companies to mitigate harmful content differ, they are crucial for safeguarding user and viewer wellbeing. The expeditious identification and removal of suicide and self-harm content through Thrive will enable companies who are part of Thrive to investigate, take action and prevent similar content from being disseminated on their platforms fostering a safer online environment. While the technological infrastructure underpinning Thrive is not new (provided by Meta, it is already used by the Tech Coalition’s Lantern program), this initiative marks the first industry-wide endeavor to address suicide and self-harm content comprehensively across different platforms.

“We at MHC are excited to work with Thrive; a unique collaborative of the most influential social media platforms that have come together to address suicide and self-harm content. Meta, Snap and TikTok are some of the initial partners to join “the exchange” committing to make an even greater impact and help save lives,” said Kenneth Cole, Founder of The Mental Health Coalition.

“The integration of signal sharing, coupled with cross-industry collaboration and moderated by an independent and neutral intermediary, represents a major breakthrough in industry collaboration and public protection on the global, public health crisis of suicide and ultimately save lives,” said Dr. Dan Reidenberg, Director of Thrive.

Thrive will leverage a centralized technology platform, enabling the aggregation of information from diverse sources (platforms), where participating companies can receive alerts of content that raises concerns or contravenes their respective company policies or community standards against suicide and self-harm. Platforms are then able to independently assess whether to take action on the content. This new signal sharing program will be underpinned by a technical infrastructure provided by Meta which allows tech companies to securely share signals about content that breaks their suicide and self-harm policies. This approach addresses harmful content while respecting the autonomy of each organization’s moderation strategies, reduce the risk of contagion or content becoming viral across platforms and ensure measures exist and only share de-identified signals to protect the users privacy. There will be no personally identifiable information shared through Thrive.

“At Meta, we have strict rules against content that encourages, glorifies or shows graphic suicide or self-harm, and remove it whenever we become aware of it. Unfortunately this content isn’t limited to any one platform – especially when it comes to viral challenges – and it’s imperative that the technology industry works together to help prevent it from spreading. That’s why we’re proud to partner with the Mental Health Coalition and our peers to launch Thrive, and help keep people safe across the many apps they use.” Antigone Davis, VP of Global Safety at Meta.

“The safety and well-being of the Snapchat community is a top priority. Our dedicated teams, technologies, policies, and partnerships help keep our community safe, healthy, and informed, and our well-being features are designed to educate and empower individuals who might be struggling with their own social and emotional well-being. We are honored to be founding members of the Thrive initiative – an opportunity to continue to work industry-wide on approaches that strengthen capabilities to halt the spread of self-harm content.” Jacqueline Beauchere, Global Head of Platform Safety, Snap

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“TikTok is an uplifting and entertaining part of many people’s day, and we continually invest in protecting and securing our community’s experience. By becoming a founding member of The Mental Health Coalition’s Thrive, we’re strengthening how we prevent harmful suicide and self-harm content online. Through this important collaboration and collective action, we hope to keep people safe on TikTok and beyond.” Valiant Richey, Global Head of Outreach and Partnerships, Trust and Safety, TikTok

Thrive’s Director will oversee operational aspects of the program, ensuring its effective functioning through convening, facilitating, moderating, and monitoring activities. Participating companies will assume responsibility for uploading, reviewing and taking the appropriate action on the content shared through Thrive and leveraging the platform to share insights and best practices. Dr Reidenberg will collaborate with other signal sharing exchange directors on optimal moderation strategies, lessons learned, and transparency protocols. An annual report will be issued to provide insight into the exchange’s use and impact.

Meta, Snap, and TikTok have pledged their support and participation as founding members, with other companies expected to join.

The Mental Health Coalition relies on donations. If you want to help support Thrive and the lifesaving work of the Coalition, please contact Dr Dan Reidenberg.

About The Mental Health Coalition

The Mental Health Coalition (www.thementalhealthcoalition.org), is a coalition of the Nation’s leading mental health organizations, brands, and individuals who have joined forces to end the debilitating stigma surrounding mental health and to change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness. Our mission is to catalyze like-minded communities to work together to destigmatize mental health and empower access to vital resources and necessary support for all.

The Mental Health Coalition was formed with the understanding that the mental health crisis is fueled by a pervasive and devastating stigma, preventing millions of individuals from being able to seek the critical treatment they need. We will not relent until mental health is no longer associated with stigma, shame or judgment and all people feel empowered to openly discuss and address their individual mental health needs.

SOURCE The Mental Health Coalition

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Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

(Family Features) Fall brings cooler days and more time indoors. This makes it easier for viruses like influenza (flu), COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) to spread. These illnesses can be especially risky for pregnant people and newborns. Getting vaccinated for flu, COVID-19 and RSV during your pregnancy lets you pass protection to your baby. Your immunity helps keep them from getting very sick from one of these viruses in their first few months of life.

Virus Vaccines

Vaccines for flu and COVID-19 also protect expectant parents from serious symptoms. Pregnant people are more likely to need medical care or hospitalization for flu and COVID-19 than people their age who are not pregnant, according to the Risk Less. Do More. Public Education Campaign.

“It makes sense that people are very careful about the health choices they make during pregnancy,” said Manisha Patel, MD, MS, MBA, Chief Medical Officer of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. “The good news is that flu and COVID-19 vaccines are the best way to protect you and your baby against serious disease. RSV vaccines cut by more than half the risk of your baby being hospitalized for severe RSV disease, the leading cause of hospitalization for infants in the United States.”

Here are some key facts about pregnancy and vaccination:

Getting vaccinated protects you during and after pregnancy.
Common respiratory viruses can be dangerous for people who are pregnant or have recently been pregnant. This is because respiratory illnesses during pregnancy are more likely to be severe. Studies show that the flu and COVID-19 vaccines are the best protection for pregnant people. They lower the risk of serious illness, hospitalization and death. Like medications, vaccines can cause side effects, but side effects from flu and COVID-19 vaccines are almost always mild and brief. The benefits of these vaccines outweigh the risks for most people.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends an RSV vaccine during pregnancy. Vaccination during pregnancy cuts the risk of a newborn being hospitalized with RSV by half.

Getting vaccinated protects your unborn or nursing child.
Flu, COVID-19 and RSV viruses are dangerous for both unborn and newborn children. About 20,000 children under age 5 in the U.S. are hospitalized with flu each year. Infants under 6 months are at the highest risk of serious complications. Infants are also at higher risk for RSV. In fact, it’s the top reason babies in the U.S. are hospitalized.

When a pregnant person gets vaccinated for flu, COVID-19 or RSV, they share their immunity with their child. Recent studies also show that some breastfeeding parents maintain infection-fighting antibodies in their breastmilk after vaccination. This immunity can also help protect their baby.

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Timing for vaccinations is important.
Getting vaccinated for flu, COVID-19 and RSV during pregnancy builds antibodies that can help protect the baby. Get the yearly COVID-19 and flu vaccines this fall season. For RSV, it is recommended that pregnant people get vaccinated between 32-36 weeks of pregnancy during the RSV season, which is from September-January in most parts of the United States.

If you have questions or concerns, talk to your doctor. Knowing the facts about vaccination and pregnancy can offer confidence and comfort. Visit cdc.gov/RiskLessDoMore to learn more and talk with your doctor about getting your flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

SOURCE:
United States Department of Health and Human Services

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

Newswise — SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The American Academy of Ophthalmology is sounding the alarm on over-the-counter eye drops advertised as eye color-changing solutions. These products are not FDA approved, have not been tested for safety or efficacy, and could potentially damage the eyes.

“Consumers seeing these products on TikTok or elsewhere online need to know that they are not FDA approved,” said JoAnn A. Giaconi, MD, clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “The ads show dramatic before-and-after shots and vague information on how the drops actually work to change eye color. But here’s the reality, there’s no evidence that they do anything at all, and no evidence that they’re safe.”

Because the products are not FDA approved, they have not undergone rigorous safety and efficacy testing, and it’s unclear if Current Good Manufacturing Practice regulations were followed during production. Unregulated manufacturing facility conditions can lead to contaminated products that can cause dangerous eye infections. 

Eye Color-Changing Drops

Potential safety risks of using unregulated eye drops include:

• Inflammation
• Infection
• Light sensitivity
• Increased eye pressure or glaucoma
• Permanent vision loss

Manufacturers claim that the drops include an ingredient that adjusts natural levels of melanin in the iris, the colored part of the eye. But there is no evidence that the formula can target the iris pigment. And if the drops did destroy the pigmented cells in the iris, it could potentially harm the eye, causing light sensitivity, eye inflammation, and eventually vision loss. It’s also unclear how other parts of the eye that rely on melanin to function properly, such as the retina, would react to this ingredient.

“Social media and the internet are full of potentially dangerous eye health claims. Bottomline, the Academy advises the public to never put anything in the eye that isn’t made to go in the eye,” Dr. Giaconi said. “You’re putting yourself at risk for painful eye conditions or even blindness.”

The safest way to change eye color is with colored contact lenses, but only if the lenses are prescribed, dispensed, and fitted by a qualified eye health professional.

For more information about eye health and how to protect your eyes, visit the Academy’s EyeSmart website.

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About the American Academy of Ophthalmology

The American Academy of Ophthalmology is the world’s largest association of eye physicians and surgeons. A global community of 32,000 medical doctors, we protect sight and empower lives by setting the standards for ophthalmic education and advocating for our patients and the public. We innovate to advance our profession and to ensure the delivery of the highest-quality eye care. Our EyeSmart^® program provides the public with the most trusted information about eye health. For more information, visit aao.org.

Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.