Freshmen+Respond


 * We have interviewed three freshmen and asked them five questions about teen suicide. For safety purposes we are not releasing their names.

Question One: What do you know about teen suicide?

Freshmen # 1: I know that it can affect the people who love and care about them and that people do it when they can't take it anymore. Freshmen # 2: What I know about teen suicide is that it happens pretty often. Freshmen # 3: That it's an uprising problem, it's caused from low self- esteem. Many teens have expectations of each other which can lead to bullying and depression. All these can cause suicides.

Question Two: Why do you think teens commit suicide?

Freshmen # 1: I think they commit suicide because they can't handle the stress of something’s. Also because they are tired of the tings in life that hard. Freshmen # 2: I think that teen suicide happens because of peers. Kids are pretty mean, and they pick on your insecurities. Freshmen # 3: One reason would probably be bullying because many kids have been hurt and felt they weren't good enough. Also because all the pressure to be like somebody else and meet other expectations.

Question Three: Do you know of any warning signs of suicide that could help you save your peers from committing suicide?

Freshmen # 1: No I do not know of any Freshmen # 2: Warning signs of teen suicide could be cuts on their wrists, shyness, I don't really know? Freshmen # 3: Signs of suicide would be depression, isolation, cutting, and low self-esteem.

Question Four: Do you think our school should have a plan for teen suicide? Possibly a class, a hotline to call or something in FMP or anything else?

Freshmen # 1: I say a hotline would be useful. I don't think we should have a session in FMP because I believe it is to personal to share and put out there. Freshmen # 2: I think that school should have more "plans" for teen suicide. We covered safe dates in health but not teen suicide. I think that if we're educated enough on it, we could prevent it more, such as helping our friends with it. We don't talk about it enough, I think. Freshmen # 3: Yes, I think we should to help us learn more to teach us signs and to help people who are going through it.

Question Five: Do you think the media has a role in teen Suicide?

Freshmen # 1: Yes I think television, music, movies and news plays a role in teen suicides. Freshmen # 2: I believe media plays a huge role in teen suicide. If you see thin girls on T.V it makes you feel bad about not being like that. Also facebook, there are so many ways you can make someone feel like they don't belong. Freshmen # 3: I think media plays a role that builds people up to the expectations and to be your best. But to be the thing that acutually makes them kill themselves, no. ||