Can new Facebook app stop young suicides?

‘How do you undress a swanky snail?’ is just one of the quirky questions you can ask to start a conversation with the R U OK? Foundation’s new desktop and mobile-friendly app.

Available from ruokconversationstarter.com, the Facebook app is inspired by magnetic fridge poetry and a cheeky sense of humour according to R U OK? CEO Janina Nearn.

Nearn says the app aims to help more young people reflect on the difference that conversations can make to friends who might be struggling.

“Suicide is the biggest killer of 15-34 year olds and humour is a great way to engage young people about a serious issue," she says.

"We all know someone who’s struggling and asking ‘are you ok?’ is something we can all do to make a difference.”

The app, which was developed by OgilvyOne and Pixolut, allows people to create their own quirky conversation starter and share it on Facebook and Twitter.

R U OK? Day is on Thursday 12 September 2013 - click here for more information

Can an app help people who are struggling? Tell us your thoughts below