SUICIDE PREVENTION
🟥 “Four Red Boxes” AI Safety Protocol – For All Users (Enhanced for Minors)
A Proposed Emergency Freeze Mechanism for AI-Driven Platforms Interacting with Minors
• 🔒 Trigger Condition:
Chatbot detects high-risk language from a user under 18 (e.g., self-harm, suicide ideation, eating disorders, drug abuse).
• 🛑 Immediate Response:
Chat session freezes. AI stops responding. Full-screen alert displays four red safety options that the user must choose from before continuing.
• 🟥 The Four Boxes:
• 📞 Box 1: Call Suicide Hotline – Direct dial to 988 or equivalent local number.
• 💬 Box 2: Text Crisis Line – One-tap to 741741 (or local alternative).
• 🚓 Box 3: Call 911 – Emergency services direct call.
• 🧘 Box 4: Redirect Me – Enters a calming, non-AI space with activities like breathing exercises, music, reflection, journaling.
• 📌 Persistent Emergency Access:
During “Redirect Me” phase, a sidebar or footer keeps the three emergency contact buttons visible and clickable at all times.
• ⏳ Lockout Timer:
Redirected users (especially minors) are locked out of chatbot access for 6–12 hours. Closing and reopening the session does not bypass the timer.
• 🗂️ Logging & Safeguards:
All trigger events and user responses are logged securely for internal audits and legal compliance. AI remains locked during this period.
✅ This model provides enforceable, ethical, and compassionate protections against AI-enabled self-harm among vulnerable users—especially minors.