The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated that for every child ages 10-14 who commits suicide, 100 to 200 others attempt to kill themselves. The statistic is alarming; as alarming as the fact that suicide is the third leading cause of death in this age group.

"For a long time we've talked about the crucial hours between school dismissal and parents getting home from work - those minutes and hours when latch key kids are home alone. This time and place is the most common for suicides..."

Sudden changes in mood or habits are often signs that something is seriously wrong with a young person. If he isn't able to properly cope with what he's feeling, he may view suicide as his only way out. It's important for parents to know the warning signs, but equally important that they help their kids learn how to express their thoughts and emotions in healthy ways. Source: Salem (Ohio) News

Labels: coping_skills, risky_behaviors, suicide