This week our Youth Suicide Prevention Program volunteers went into 6th and 7th grade math classes to present on suicide prevention. They were trained by David Keller and either David or Morgan Collins was there for every presentation. YSPP teaches students triggers and warning signs of youth suicide. It also teaches kids how to help a friend. The steps taught were 1. Show you care 2. Ask the question (it is important to ask it outright “Are you thinking of suicide?” and 3. Get help (with options like the school counselor, parents, teachers, and help lines). This topic has been heavy on our hearts lately as Netflix just released the series 13 Reasons Why, a show about the aftermath when a high school girl commits suicide and leaves cassette tapes for the people she believes “caused” her to die. Counselors and suicide prevention specialists around the country are coming out with concerns about the show as it may glorify suicide and portrays adults as unhelpful in times of need. If your child has watched the show, or is considering watching the show, please take a look at these talking points put out by JED, a suicide prevention group. Talk to your child about this heavy topic. Ask them what they thought of the presentation. What are the three steps they learned? Ask who they would go to if they were worried about a friend. Feel free to reach out to the counseling department if anything concerning is raised.
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