In many communities, local newspapers and TV are reporting on young people dying from suicide. This is part of a worrisome nationwide trend of rising self-destructive acts among U.S. adolescents. A majority of teens are growing up today not only feeling overwhelmed by academic, social, and internal pressures, but also lacking sufficient emotional resiliency and support. Skyrocketing rates of youth anxiety and depression are intensifying the risk of fatal suicide attempts.
So can the self-induced death of a classmate or friend. It is important for parents and educators to recognize the subtle, often overlooked, yet powerful influence of media on teens. In the aftermath of students taking their own lives, surviving classmates often see others reacting in ways that can trigger their own suicidal behaviors. Sometimes shrines are erected with flowers and memorabilia, school assemblies are held, there are moments of silence, and there is much media coverage of the tragedy.
This “glorification” of teen suicide victims has been linked to copycat and contagion effects. After witnessing deceased classmates and friends getting this magnitude of (posthumous) attention, vulnerable boys and girls can be tempted to imitate the deceased’s self-destructive actions to elicit similar reactions among those who have made them feel insignificant, isolated, rejected, or invisible.
When talking about these events in the news, downplay the adulation and attention students may be getting posthumously. Emphasize to your teen or tween the overwhelming finality of the suicidal person’s act, and the fact that the problems that seemed insurmountable in the moment were most likely fixable. Also make your teen aware that parents are typically inconsolable after the death of a child of any child. If appropriate, attend a memorial service or viewing to pay your respects to the grieving family.
Movies and television shows that portray teen suicide can also inspire copycat suicides. Recall “13 Reasons Why,” for example, a Netflix show about why a teen girl decides to slits her wrists. In April, 2017, when it debuted, there was a nearly 30% increase in suicides among young people aged 10 to 17—a trend that continued for months. And from April until December of that year, researchers calculated that 195 more teens died than would have been predicted statistically. Although this finding could not prove causality, there was a clear association between that show and a spike in teen suicides.
While “13 Reasons Why” has long been cancelled, it behooves parents to be vigilant about the shows teens and tweens are watching—especially on their devices in their bedrooms. If you’re concerned about content, watch the show too, so you can discuss whatever issues are raised, counteract incorrect or inappropriate messages, and monitor your teens’ reactions.
If you have any concerns at all, it is prudent to ask outright if your teen or tween has had serious thoughts of self-harm, made plans, or acted on them. This does not put the idea in their head. Rather, this question tells your daughter or son that you are open to discussing this difficult, painful subject. More important, in contrast to what television and movies portray, there are caring adults to whom teens can turn for advice and support.
NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE: 800-273-8255