Adolescents and the use of social media may help prevent teen suicide

A rash of teen suicides recently has prompted educators, parents, law enforcement and clergy to seek ways to prevent this occurrence. Moreover, many adults often do not see symptoms until it is too late.

As a result, residents of Gainesville, Virginia are coming together to brainstorm ideas on how to prevent teen suicides. This meeting comes after five area teenagers committed suicide since September 2010, according to the News and Messenger.

Law enforcement officials told the news source that peer-to-peer suicide prevention programs may need to be launched in county schools because adolescents are more likely to talk to their fellow students about depression and stress than to adults.

“We need to help other students recognize when their peers are in distress,” Steve Thompson, Prince William County police captain, told the news source. “A lot of time there is a disconnect between a child in their teen years and their parents."

Law enforcement officials added that using social media such as Facebook may help other teens report suspicious posts to adults, which could save their lives.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 4,500 teens lose their lives to suicide each year.