Resources and tips to prevent youth suicide

From mental health issues to social media pressures to easy access to guns and other lethal means, youth suicide risk remains at crisis levels. Dr. Kevin Triemstra, pediatric psychologist, recently provided tips on youth suicide prevention.

Suicide remains a major public health concern. In 2023, 1 in 5 high school students seriously considered attempting suicide, according to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Akron Children’s Youth Suicide Prevention Supervisor Sherry Blair shares that it is not only teens who have suicidal thoughts and even attempts. An alarming trend is that younger children ages 10- to 12-year-old are reporting experiencing these thoughts. “Kids are under so much pressure – with school, sports, social media and bullying – plus they may have depression, anxiety or family conflicts weighing on them,” she said. “Children are very impulsive, as their brains are still maturing. They may act on suicidal thoughts without thinking or even fully grasping the consequences.”

Who is at highest risk of suicide?

In Ohio, male youth – especially white, non-Hispanic males – are at highest risk. LGBTQ+ youth and females also show higher rates of suicidal thoughts and attempts. Black, non-Hispanic youth rates have also risen significantly. Rural areas have some of the highest suicide rates in the state, too. “Kids in those areas often have limited access to mental health care,” Sherry explained. “They have increased isolation and may have easy access to firearms.”

Suicide prevention tips for parents

What can we do to help a child or teen who might be struggling? Here are some tips:

• Talk openly with your child about mental health. Let them know it’s OK to ask for help and to talk with you about their feelings and concerns – and reassure them that treatment can help.
• Really listen to what your child is saying. Encourage them to identify a few trusted adults – such as a parent, teacher or counselor – they can confide in, especially on things that might be worrying them or making them feel uncomfortable.
• Get help if your child is dealing with possible depression or anxiety. Most teens who die by suicide have mental health or substance‑use problems, so early support is important. There are a variety of mental health resources.
• Help your child build a support system. Encourage them to stay connected to family, friends, school, community or religious groups.
• Be a role model for your child. Show your child what healthy habits look like. Spend time outside together playing or go for a walk. Eat meals as a family when you can and make mealtime a screen‑free zone. Help your child develop healthy bedtime routines to get adequate sleep.
• Monitor your child’s online activities and know who they are spending their time with online both in social media sites and artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots. Also, encourage breaks from being online.
• Monitor your own use of smartphones and social media, especially within view of your child.

Keep guns and dangerous items safely locked up

“We want to do everything we can to buy time between lethal means and the child,” Sherry explained. “This additional time can allow the child or teen to change their mind or for someone to intervene and help them.”

• Firearms are the leading cause of death for young people, so store them securely. A locked gun safe is best – and store ammunition in a separate, locked container.
• Lock up medicines, knives, ropes or belts if you’re worried about your child’s safety.

Suicide prevention tips for schools, physicians, community organizations and others who care

• Schools should create a comprehensive suicide prevention plan that includes prevention, intervention and postvention strategies.
• Share suicide prevention resources like websites, phone hotlines and text-based help. Remind everyone that suicide is preventable and share stories of hope.
• Health care providers, teachers, coaches and faith leaders are often first to notice when a young person is struggling. These trusted adults can help to get kids the support they need.
• Educate other youth on warning signs for suicide for themselves and others and encourage students to speak up to a trusted adult. They are not snitching; they could be saving a life.

Coming together to prevent youth suicide

A variety of national, state and local resources are available including:

• National: 988 Lifeline
• State: Ohio Department of Health and Ohio Children’s Hospital Association
• Local: Mental health and recovery boards such as those for Summit, Cuyahoga, Medina and Mahoning counties.

“Working together, we can let kids know they’re not alone,” Sherry said. “With prevention efforts and mental health or substance-use treatment, suicide is preventable. We’re spreading a message of hope.”