Hello everyone, I hope all is well with you. I’m back today after a week of work and writing. No running yet, but my ankle is getting better. Yay! But enough about that. Today, I want to talk about something that can affect all our families. That event is suicide.
Photo credit: Julie from Wexford on Visualhunt
Recently, our town was hit by a suicide. A young boy (high school freshman) developed a friendship online that led to texting then the exchange of nude pictures. Then, you guessed it, the person this young man shared his photos with demanded money, or they would post the pictures online. They told him they’d send the pictures to his friends and family. The young man sent money, but it wasn’t enough.
Panic set in. The only option he could produce was suicide. He was so ashamed and humiliated. He didn’t dare talk to his family about this. That makes me so sad. This poor boy didn’t feel he had anyone to turn to.
Parents, we need to educate our young people about the dangers of online communication. It’s imperative. Have those uncomfortable conversations about sextortion and its effects. I spoke with both my boys about this young boy. I wondered if they knew him. They did not. I then reiterated the dangers of posting pictures online or sending anyone they don’t really know any type of pictures. I got the standard eye roll and “I know, Mom” response. But I’m okay with that.
Teen suicide is on the rise. In fact, the suicide rate has increased by sixty-two percent from 2007 to 2021 for teens between the ages of ten to twenty-four years old.
What are the causes of this rise in suicide rates? It seems to be major life events that set the gears into motion. Whether it’s a divorce, or a breakup of a girlfriend or boyfriend, or a death in the family, or sextortion, our teens are ill-equipped to handle these stressful events.
In my opinion, we need to keep an open line of communication with our teens and young adults. Even if they push us away, we need to keep opening that door. They’ll appreciate it later. I’m sure of it.
We need to support young people’s mental health. Whether it’s through the school system or privately they need to know there are resources to help them deal with the issues they encounter. Sometimes, parents are unavailable either physically or emotionally to help their teens handle the events that trigger anxious feelings or suicidal thoughts. So, teens need to know they can turn to school counselors, teachers, or psychologists to help them. Are there other ways our communities can help teens? I have a few but I’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment! I’d love to hear from you!
