Facebook Gives People More Power to Police Bullying

Facebook today made it possible for users to take more control over their own posts. Moving forward, Facebook users will be able to hide or delete multiple comments at once if they feel the comments made on their own post constitute bullying or harassment. This tool will reach desktop and Android users over the next few days and iOS devices in the coming months. Facebook is also testing a way for people to easily search for and block words deemed offensive. Moreover, users can now anonymously report others who are bullying or harassing people on Facebook. Facebook says this is meant to help protect the targets of harassment who may not be able to see the comments or take direct action. Facebook's community operations team will review reported posts and comments to determine whether or not the community standards have been violated. People who feel Facebook did not take action when it should have may ask for the offensive content to be reviewed a second time. Conversely, people who've been reported for bullying can appeal any decisions made by Facebook. Last, Facebook said it is taking more steps to protect public figures. Severe attacks that directly engage public figures will not be allowed. Any public figure who is the target of harassment can report the person or comments they do not want to see. Facebook will also let public figures ignore unwanted messages and block users without them being notified. Facebook hopes these changes make the social network a nicer place to engage with others.