The statistics for the rate of teen suicide are at an all-time high. In fact, teen suicide rates have more than tripled since 1970 (“Teenage” 1). In Australia alone, 40,000 teens will attempt suicide this year (“Youth” 2). Slightly over 400 people out of the 40,000 that attempt will be successful. These numbers are astonishing, but unfortunately true. Eight percent of teens in Regina High School claimed that if given the chance, they would attempt suicide (“Teen 1”). If eight percent claimed this in 1978, since statistics have more than tripled since the 1970’s, it is to be estimated that almost 30% of teens would claim the sam

Abused children are also at a high risk of committing suicide. If children or teens have been previously abused by a parent, boy/girlfriend, etc, they should be closely watched if they appear to be showing suicidal risk factors. Some risk factors that could possibly appear are: sleeplessness, withdrawal, eating disorders, lowered self-esteem, aggression towards everyone around them, etc. Children and youth that observe violence in the home could begin to see violence as a way of communicating or a way of dealing with their problems, and, in turn, begin to feel that abusing themselves is okay and acceptable. As evidence has proven, if a child between the ages of three and five show signs of aggression, they have a higher risk of becoming suicidal when they reach an older age (“Some” 1).

The exact reasoning and cause for suicide is impossible to discover, but some logical reasons were found and proven to be true. Some teens who know they are suicidal seek counseling or therapy. Between 60% and 80% of suicidal teens looked for help within the previous months of the successful suicide (“Youth” 3). This statistic proves that not all threats teens make about committing suicide are taken literally and are simply disregarded and ignored. Some teens that have stressful, difficult lives may see suicide as a solution. They see suicide as a way to eliminate their problems. It is very sad that some teens feel so horrible about themselves or their lives that they feel they need to kill themselves to make things better.

Although the rates of teen suicide have dramatically increased over the years, there are still many ways to prevent suicide. If all threats about suicide were taken literally, the statistics could virtually be completely reversed. Suicide is a horrible thing, and it is even worse when young teens feel it is the only answer for them. The best thing a parent or concerned individual can do for a suicidal teen is be there for them. The teen must feel needed and cared for in order to believe suicide is not the best thing they could do to solve their problems. Parents need to stay involved in their children’s lives and remain in contact with them and make sure they know what is going on in their life.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students, only beaten by car accidents (“Teenage” 1). For individuals aged fifteen to

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