Worrying Trends of Suicide Tiktok Challenges

Posted by Jason Norman on February 22nd, 2024

There have been a lot of TikTok challenges directed at teens that involve risking their lives, or suicide. Just one of the most recent ones encourages teens to take their lives on February 13th so that they get flowers sent to them on the 14th, Valentine’s Day. An important part of suicide prevention is being aware of the role social media platforms play in teen suicide rates. Bullying and challenges like this one can have a disastrous impact on a teen and then those left behind. Parents must be aware of these things, that you are vigilant about behaviour that is unusual and that you talk to your children about these things. Such discussions do not make them do it, it helps them feel like you are interested in them, what they are viewing and you can be more involved.

Things to look out for in your teen

To know if they are taking part in a challenge like this or are showing signs of distress here are some of the things to consider;

• Acting out and indulging in other kinds of risky behavior like drunk driving
• Acting violently
• Being overly tired
• Changes in their habits online
• Talking about such challenges
• Isolating themselves
• Having bursts of anger
• Losing interest in anything else such as hobbies, peers, school, family and such
• Expressing suicidal thoughts
• Being anxious
• Crying frequently

What can you do as a parent of a teen?

Here are some of the things you can do if you are concerned about your teen, or if they are showing some signs of distress that have you worried.

• Seek out access to suicide prevention resources to better guide you in how you approach them
• Listen without judgement
• Ask them if they think about suicide and if they need help
• Answer any questions they might have about death or suicide
• Make sure they understand there is nothing romantic or heroic about suicide and that no matter the state of their relationships with others as they perceive them, they are loved and would be missed
• Tell them it is not the answer to suffering and that there is help available
• Try to support them and enable them towards a better choice

Seeking help

If you are worried that you need help with suicide preventionfor your teen there are places you can go. You can call your doctor, you can take them to the emergency room if the concern is immediate, you can call a suicide prevention hotline and there are organisations like the SPTS who can help too. Just take a look online at their website.

In case of concern for your young one: do not wait and seek help.

Summary

It can be hard as an adult to understand how teens can get dragged into taking part in these kinds of challenges. But there are suicide prevention resources to help while you also remain compassionate and vigilant. Downplaying these things is not always the best approach to take. Talking about it and being open and aware is much better.