September 7 – 13 is Suicide Prevention Week
September 3, 2008 - According to the American Association of Suicidology (AAS), every year, over 1 million people die of suicide worldwide and there are several million suicide attempts. Suicide and suicidal behavior affects individuals of all ages, genders, races and religions across the planet.
September 7 – 13, 2008 is Suicide Prevention Week. This year’s theme is “Embracing Diversity in Research and Practice” to acknowledge that efforts are underway and focus attention on the critical issue of better preparing all those who are in a position to respond to those at risk for suicide.
AAS states that risk factors for suicide remain essentially the same from country to country including: mental illness, substance abuse, previous suicide attempts, hopelessness, access to lethal means, recent loss of loved ones, unemployment, and vulnerability to self-harm. Protective factors include: high self-esteem, social connectedness, problem-solving skills, and supportive family and friends.
Where do Schools Fit in All This?
Schools are often faced with suicide issues. According to AAS, schools are ideal locations to promote public awareness of the goals of suicide prevention, educate the public about the prevalence of suicide, as well as involve students in prevention activities.
Bullying is often a culprit in suicide attempts. Therefore, bullying prevention in schools is essential. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) Stop Bullying Now! Campaign website includes several resources that educators, parents, and students can use to prevent bullying including DVDs and activity guides.
Bullying can present itself in many shapes and forms, but currently, many children and adolescents have struggled with “electronic aggression”, which is any type of harassment or bullying that occurs through e-mail, a chat room, instant messaging, a website (including blogs), or text messaging. Within that context, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released two documents to better inform families, the community, and other stakeholders about the dangers of cyber bullying and violence.
“Electronic Media and Youth Violence: a CDC Issue Brief for Educators and Caregivers” answers questions to several issues related to violence within the context of electronic media including: 1) How common is electronic aggression?; 2) Who is at risk?; 3) What problems are associated with being a victim of electronic aggression?; and 4) Is electronic aggression just an extension of school-yard bullying?
The document presents recommendations for educators and educational policy makers including: work collaboratively to develop policies; offer training on electronic aggression for educators and administrators; talk to teens; work with IT and support staff; create a positive school atmosphere; and have a plan in place for what should happen if an incident is brought to the attention of school officials. The document also includes recommendations for caregivers.
“Technology and Youth: Protecting your Child from Electronic Aggression,” portrays examples of electronic aggression and offers tips for parents and caregivers on how to: talk to children; develop rules; explore the Internet; talk with other parents and caregivers; connect with schools; and learn about the issue.
For more information on how to keep kids healthy, learn more about the coordinated school health program model, which consists of eight interactive components, including ones that promote mental health such as counseling, psychological and social services and family and community involvement.
Source: “National Suicide Prevention Week Information & Media Kit,” AAS, 2008; HRSA’s Stop Bullying Now! Campaign website; “Technology and Youth: Protecting your Child from Electronic Agression,” Tip Sheet, CDC, 2008; and “Electronic Media and Youth Violence: A CDC Issue Brief for Educators and Caregivers,” CDC, 2008.