The years between 10 and 14 are a formative time because of hormonal and body changes happening during puberty, taking an emotional toll on preteens. Because of this, more needs to be done to support the mental health of this group. For the first time in history, the suicide rate of adolescents in this age range has surpassed the same group’s rate of car crash fatalities, according to a Nov. 4 NPR article.

The rate has more than doubled since 2007, when it was 0.9 for every 100,000 middle schoolers, to 2.1 for every 100,000, according to a Nov. 7 Business Insider article. The article stated that 425 students died by suicide in 2014, making this the second-highest leading cause of death for middle-school students, behind everyday accidents. 

Access to social media puts young people at risk of negative peer influence, and sites like Tumblr often host posts glamorizing suicidal thoughts or actions with photos and stories of self-harm. In addition, social media can be a vehicle for bullying that can contribute to conditions such as depression and anxiety, according to StopBullying.gov. 

Parents need to be the first line of defense against suicide and depression and must be educated about warning signs and what they can do to prevent self-harm. But, along with parents, teachers are responsible for noticing and reporting warning signs because family and friends can be too close to recognize them.

Because school is where children in this age group spend most of their time, mental health and suicide prevention education is necessary for both teachers and students. Much like the programs already in place in most schools for fire safety, drug abuse education and driving safety, a uniform program for mental health is needed as well.

Suicide, depression and anxiety may be considered mature topics, but they need to be introduced early in students’ lives so young people are prepared to ask for help. Schools in 43 states had mental health screenings for middle- and high-school students through a program called TeenScreen, created by Columbia University. TeenScreen started in 1999 and ran until it unexpectedly shutdown in 2012; the reason for the shutdown was not made public. It was used to identify undiagnosed mental health issues and suicide risks in students and to educate parents on how to help their children.

Though TeenScreen is no longer around, there are other programs like the SOS Signs of Suicide Prevention Program and Look Link Listen in middle and high schools. These programs let students know they are not alone and how to recognize warning signs in their peers. 

Programs like these can help to facilitate awareness, communication and support among students, teachers and parents, which is key in preventing suicide and self-harm for this age group as well as older students.