Lately, there's been a marked increase in attention given to the role that the Internet plays in teen suicides. Sadly, as some high-profile cases have illustrated, the type of bullying that takes place online can be particularly hard to get over. How can you escape your aggressors when the usual channels--transferring schools, beginning anew after graduation, moving to a different neighborhood-no longer protect you from their abusive voices emanating from your computer? How do you start fresh after an emotionally difficult period, when reminders of it-in the form of photos and faces-follow you everywhere online?
So far, unfortunately, there is not much in the way of answers, if one wishes to continue to stay online. And suicide, along with depression, appears to be growing among young people even while support services and awareness are increasing. But the challenging work of prevention might have a special ally in social networking websites- only if we're willing to make it happen.
In fact, sites like Facebook and Twitter can actually broadcast warning signs, or even intended final words, that might have been private in the past. Not much research attention has yet been given to the number of people who post the equivalent of a suicide note online, but it appears to be a growing trend. Demi Moore made news two years ago by getting help for a suicidal stranger on Twitter; several well-covered tragedies, including a recent murder-suicide, have included ominous last words being posted to Facebook. Some may even speculate that as text messages take the place of paper communications, so too will the suicide note. But arguably, the more common these technological communications become in suicidal behavior, the more opportunities there are to save lives.
But first, the word must get out about exactly HOW to help. Here's where to start with your own teenager:
--Emphasize to your teen how harmful and desensitizing it can be to use suicidal language in a joking manner ("I guess I'll just go and slit my wrists," shockingly common as sarcastic commentary, is simply unacceptable.)
--Urge your teen to take it seriously if he or she sees someone post something that appears threatening or suicidal.
--Familiarize your teen with the proper actions to take if he or she is concerned about a friend's imminent safety (calling the authorities, calling 1-800-SUICIDE, talking immediately to a trusted adult).
--Help your teen learn to be a good friend, just as learning to be a good son or daughter. Encourage empathy, good listening skills, and modeling of healthy emotional behaviors.
--Educate your teen about mental illness, and the fact that depression is a treatable condition. Help destigmatize it and provide hope by having those difficult conversations. Learn more yourself if you don't feel you know enough
No one ever seems to believe that it will be their own teenager to contemplate suicide, just as it is hard to imagine that your friend's dramatic status updates can actually be a cry for help. But the more vigilant we are to our friends' and family's emotional states, and the more that we educate ourselves about how to provide help to those suffering from depression, then the more that the Internet and social networking websites can be a tool of prevention and hope-- rather than just a tool for inflicting pain.
