Teen suicide is said to be a phenomenon of clustering and contagion, with social media exacerbating this trend today. The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) reports that 15 percent of high school students have contemplated suicide, and 7 percent have actually attempted it. Unfortunately, the aftereffects of a single suicide can ripple through schools, peer groups and the community, resulting in an increase in attempted and successful subsequent suicides. Fortunately, this phenomenon is highly preventable.
The Contagion Phenomenon Related to Teenage Suicide
NASP reports that a single adolescent suicide often acts as a catalyst for developing a suicide cluster, an increased number of incidents that occur within a confined geographic boundary within a specific period of time. Psychologists theorize that seeing the suicide of another teen covered on social media may be taken by young people as permission to take similar action.
Causes of Adolescent and Teen Suicide Clusters
The prevalence of social media use by adolescents and teens means that news spreads around the world in minutes or even seconds. Whereas clusters used to be contained to small geographic areas, the phenomenon now transcends those limited physical boundaries. The social and emotional difficulties inherent in the lives of young people can be challenging, although typically not enough to incite desperate acts. However, the young brain is not yet developed sufficiently to overcome impulsive behaviors, so when an external stimulus such as a classmate’s suicide is introduced, it could be too much for them to handle. Young people who may have witnessed a suicide are at increased risk of contagion, as are those who were close to or had something specific in common with the victim, such as playing the same sport.
Keys to Suicide Prevention
As much as social media can worsen a situation, it can help just as effectively. Experts say that the online community can act as a neighborhood watch group of sorts, alerting adults and the proper authorities if someone posts thoughts or intentions to harm themselves. It can also act as a medium to provide encouragement and help to young people who may be considering an act of desperation. Parents, teachers and other community members must also take swift action to reach out to young people upon learning of a child’s suicide. Psychologists say that the most effective counter measure is to simply get kids talking, even if they are unwilling to talk about their feelings or the incident itself. Personal attention is the key to preventing contagion. Parents and caregivers are also advised to watch for any changes in their children’s habits or behavior patterns. Young people contemplating suicide may complain of physical pain, display aggressive behaviors, stop eating or sleeping or begin using or abusing drugs or alcohol.
If you believe your daughter or another young woman in your care is at risk for committing suicide or other self-harm, seek professional intervention immediately. Havenwood Academy offers experiential treatment programs for a variety of mental and emotional conditions. Contact them today to discuss their residential intervention programs specifically designed to address teen suicide and self-harm.
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Eric Allred was born and raised in Rigby, Idaho. He grew up on a family farm where he learned the value of work. He graduated from Rigby High School and attended Rick’s College, now known as BYU-Idaho. He received his bachelor’s degree in journalism from Utah State University, received a master’s degree in organizational behavior and human relations from the University of Phoenix and a second master’s degree in marital and family therapy from Phillips Graduate Institute. Eric has been involved in Rotary and was president of a local Rotary Club. He enjoys being with his family and doing outdoor activities such as fly fishing.
Chase was very fortunate to start in this industry as a struggling 17 year old kid looking for a mentor and something to be passionate about. Wilderness therapy was Chase’s first stop in this industry and was truly a transcendental experience for him. Chase has an enormous love for this line of work and the power that it has in creating change in everyone involved. Chase’s biggest belief is the power a mentor, strong, healthy relationships, and accountability can have on anyone, especially youth. Taking a very relational approach to his work, Chase has always been very relatable to the students he works with. Being able to understand and relate to a vast variety of the same struggles as a lot of the students he works with has been able to help him continue to grow, learn, and teach. Chase believes that with great rapport and trust, he can use his experience to continue to coach and train new staff, and has the ability to find those staff with the passion for this industry, and help them grow. His love and passion can be felt the moment you talk with Chase about this industry and he passes that on to others he works with. In his spare time you will find Chase cheering for the Eagles, Yankees, and Mavericks, hanging out with his brother, learning more about Eastern Psychology, and continuing to grow and learn.