After reading his friend’s status update, ideas raced through junior Dallas Rosalez’s mind as he tried to figure out how to make her feel better.

“I made the account (@BeYouTimberview on Instagram) to let people know that someone cares,” Rosalez said. “It helped uplift people and make their day and that’s what I always wanted.”

Suicide is the third most common cause of death among teenagers in the United States. In order to combat these statistics, on Feb. 25, Facebook announced that it would be adding new tools to its interface, so their users will be able to easily report their friends whose posts suggest they could potentially be considering suicide. The social media site is the first to address this issue.

“The new tool is extremely helpful and will possibly save a lot of lives for those who are suffering from depression and contemplating suicide,” Rosalez said.

If a person is deemed at risk by hired safety specialists, then the social network will send the person a message offering assistance.

“Many people with depression will make numerous outcries for help prior to actually committing suicide,” Counselor Gerry Blake said. “Any avenue that allows students to direct those outcries to someone who will take them seriously can only benefit that student.”

The tools Facebook is implementing will greatly benefit teenagers, Blake said.

“Kids these days tend to be overly comfortable expressing themselves via social media as opposed to reaching out and speaking one-on-one with someone,” she said. “If it’s social media related, they will use it (the help).”

Rosalez said depression is a major problem, and no one should ever be judged for asking for help.

“It should never be taken lightly or as a joke,” he said. “It’s a serious thing (that) can mess with a person. Sometimes, they can look fine on the outside but on the inside, they’re a mess or feeling useless.”

The tool needs to be used if it means the difference between life and death, senior Yesenia Hernandez said.

“Everyone needs help,” she said. “You should (use it) because it helps others feel wanted. It’s there for a purpose and it’s just one click away.“

Rosalez said he wouldn’t just stop at using Facebook’s new system to help his friends.

“I would use this tool to help talk them out of it (suicide),” he said. “I would also talk to them. I know I can only do so much, but there are some things that only a friend can do.”

Although it is getting easier to report friends who seem depressed on social media, Blake said the best way to help them is by saying something to an adult.

“Tell an adult at school or the student’s parents,” she said. “Don’t try to hide it from their parents thinking they might be in trouble or because the friend doesn’t want to worry them. If they don’t take it seriously, then tell an adult at school.”