Clearly, the problem of adolescent suicide demands serious attention. Suicides among all age groups are cause for concern but among those who are young and full of life it is of particular concern and when the factor of bullying is added it is time for society in general, school personnel, and mental health professionals to join together in an effort to examine and resolve the problem. Everyone having contact with adolescents should be aware of complaints being offered by such adolescents such as headaches, stomach aches, and eating and sleeping difficulties. Such difficulties are unusual for healthy adolescents and may be signs of the adolescent being victimized by a bully. Once the bullying has been identified, however, it is essential that a multi-disciplinary approach be adopted to not only treat the effects of the bullying but also to eradicate, as much as possible, the source of the bullying. Physicians, social workers, teachers, and parents must work to make sure that the schools, which is where most bullying occurs, are sensitive to developing policies and procedure that minimize the possibility of further bullying and identify the individuals responsible (Salmon).
Regardless of the underlying cause for suicide in adolescents it is important that those involved with adolescents find appropriate treatment for said individuals. As previously indicated, risk assessment is essential but once the risk is assessed addressing the concerns should be initiated as soon as possible. A one size fits all approach is likely not effective. Consideration must be afforded the intellectual and emotional age of the teen and his family dynamics must also be considered. A collaborative approach between the essential figures in the teenagers life is recommended before engaging...
Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.
Get Started Now