Facebook is forming what it calls a "Network of Support" as a preventative measure against LGBT bullying, which includes MTV's a Thin Line campaign, GLAAD, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the Trevor Project, the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), and Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG).
"It's not just about removing bad content, it's also about preventing it," said a blog post on Facebook's safety page. "We believe that educating people about the lasting and damaging impact of hateful remarks is a shared responsibility and that's why we routinely call upon top Internet safety experts – like members of our Safety Advisory Board – for advice and resources for our Safety Center and Safety Page."Facebook and GLAAD initially teamed up after anti-gay comments were posted to a Page dedicated to gay teens who had recently committed suicide. The Page focused on an event that called on people to honor the teens by wearing purple on Oct. 20. Facebook pledged to troll the site to better prevent that type of pejorative speech, rather than just responding to it.
With the expanded partnership, Facebook said it hopes to "provide better resources for LGBT teens and everyone who wants to keep the Internet a safe place." Blocking bullies, reporting harassment, sticking up for others, thinking twice before posting, asking for help, and knowing that you're not alone are six tips Facebook included in the post as ways users can help curb cyber-bullying themselves.Yahoo also weighed in on the issue in a Tuesday blog post, and said that its employees would also wear purple on Oct. 20 in support of LGBT individuals.
