Preventing Teen Suicide
Published June 14, 2008
Every year there are reports of private school students taking their own lives. Suicide casts a terrible pall over any school community. It just seems so pointless, so senseless. Yet, had members of the community acted on the signals the young person was most likely sending, that suicide could have been prevented.
The academic work in private school can be very heavy. The pressures to succeed, to get into the best college, to not let parents and others down combined with the reality of adolescent uncertainities can create a climate for depression. Depression can lead to suicide. But suicide is preventable.
Suicide is preventable.
Suicide is the 3rd largest killer of young adults between the ages of 15-24. But teen suicide is preventable. You just have to know the warning signs.
As a parent you need to spend quality time with your child. Listen to him. Don't talk at him. Share your experiences and feelings. Be available. Keep firearms and other weapons locked up.
As a student you need to be aware of what is going on with your peers. If you notice somebody acting strangely or talking about 'ending it', take it seriously. Get help.
As an administrator you need to promote awareness of suicide. You need to proactively hold training for suicide prevention. Create 24/7 access to an anonymous suicide hotline. Offer help and counseling. Above all do not stigmatize students or staff for reporting information.
As a teacher you need to be accessible. Be attuned to the warning signs. Act on them.
Suicide is preventable. But the school community needs to help prevent it.
As a parent you need to spend quality time with your child. Listen to him. Don't talk at him. Share your experiences and feelings. Be available. Keep firearms and other weapons locked up.
As a student you need to be aware of what is going on with your peers. If you notice somebody acting strangely or talking about 'ending it', take it seriously. Get help.
As an administrator you need to promote awareness of suicide. You need to proactively hold training for suicide prevention. Create 24/7 access to an anonymous suicide hotline. Offer help and counseling. Above all do not stigmatize students or staff for reporting information.
As a teacher you need to be accessible. Be attuned to the warning signs. Act on them.
Suicide is preventable. But the school community needs to help prevent it.
More About Teen Suicide
Read Related School Life Articles:
What is life like in a private school? Find out about programs and activities. Read books and watch DVD's about private schools.
-
Graduation Gifts
Graduation is always a warm, happy occasion. Mark this important milestone with a memorable gift. Here are some suggestions.
About Schools
-
Athletics Are Not Optional
Athletic programs are an integral part of private school life. They are not optional as they often are in public schools. -
Books About Private School
What's private school really like? Find out from people who have been there. -
Computers in Private School
Some schools require you to purchase a laptop as part of their book fee. Others let you bring your own computer. -
DVDs About Private Schools
While it is not a long list, movies set in private schools include several classics such as the Harry Potter series and Dead Poets Society. -
Books for Educators and Parents
These titles have been recommended by other educators. Add these to your vacation reading. Enjoy. -
School Year Abroad
Several private schools offer a whole academic year abroad. Still others offer a summer abroad.
Issues
Diversity, harrassment, cellphones and other important issues commonly found in private schools
-
Codes of Conduct
Discipline in private schools generally begins with a code of conduct. -
5 Things You Must Not Do With Personal Technology
Young people take personal technology devices for granted. We parents and teachers must make them aware of how such devices are used in the real world. -
How Diverse Are Private Schools?
Decades ago private schools could have been accused of being elitist. You had to have money to attend. The student populations were fairly homogeneous. Fortunately that has changed. -
My Child Has Been Expelled For Smoking Pot!
If your child is caught smoking pot or drinking on her private school campus, the consequences will be severe. -
Uniforms and Dress Codes
School uniforms are largely found at religious, parochial and military schools. Dress codes have replaced uniforms at most schools.
All Categories:
Featured Partners:
