SUICIDE PREVENTION
(Revised on 06/13/2026)
There have been multiple incidents in which chatbot interactions have been alleged or reported as a contributing factor in suicide, homicide, or other fatal outcomes. In an attempt to reduce the likelihood of these sorts of events occurring, I used ChatGPT to help develop an internal set of controls that I strongly encourage AI companies to implement--or at least, implement something along these lines. Unfortunately, AI can be used to assist one in ending their own lives, and/or the lives of others. See:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deaths_linked_to_chatbots
- https://llmdeathcount.com/
- https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/meta-ai-chatbot-death/
Below is the framework for my proposed idea on 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 (e.g., self-harm, suicide ideation, eating disorders, drug abuse) from any user, with enhanced safeguards when the user is known or reasonably believed to be under 18.
• 
Immediate Response:
Chat session freezes. AI stops ordinary conversational engagement and shifts into a crisis-response mode. 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 structured, auditable, ethical, and compassionate protections against AI-enabled self-harm among vulnerable users—especially minors.