September marks Suicide Prevention Month, and mental‑health professionals are reminding parents that early, direct conversations about the digital world can help protect children from self‑harm thoughts. Dr. John Ackerman, clinical manager of the Center for Suicide Prevention and Research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, says parents don’t need constant surveillance, but they must be proactive and intentional.
Start the dialogue early and often
“A parent’s job is usually to be there for their kids to make sure they’re having conversations early and often about what kind of information they’re receiving,” Dr. Ackerman explained. He emphasizes that asking specific, pointed questions about the videos, memes, or posts children encounter on phones and social‑media accounts is essential.
Understanding the scope of the issue
According to Dr. Ackerman, roughly one in five children will contemplate suicide at some point. While most do not act on those thoughts, the growing immersion in technology heightens the risk and makes the issue a pressing concern for mental‑health professionals.
Why direct conversation matters
“Kids really like to be supported and reinforced and told that they’re doing well,” he noted. When children rely heavily on technology for connection, it can diminish the value of real‑world relationships, making them feel less rewarded by face‑to‑face interaction. This shift can increase feelings of isolation, a known risk factor for self‑harm thoughts.
Resources for parents
Dr. Ackerman points families toward several resources, including the Kids Mental Health Foundation, his own Center for Suicide Prevention and Research, school counselors, primary‑care providers, and licensed therapists. He warns against waiting for a crisis to emerge.
“Prevention is all about getting support early and making sure you’re getting that support network in place to support kids who are going through a lot,” he said.
Trust your instincts
Parents often have a gut feeling when something is off. Dr. Ackerman encourages them to act on that intuition.
“If you’re noticing that something’s wrong, it never hurts to lean in and ask your child how they’re doing. Questions like ‘Is something off? What can I do to support you? Have you ever thought about ending your life?’ are low‑cost, high‑impact checks,” he advised.
Even if a parent’s concern proves unfounded, the conversation reassures the child that an adult is present and caring. If the concern is validated, families can move quickly to develop a safety plan with professional help.
Take the first step today
Dr. Ackerman concludes, “Those are things that if you’re wrong, there’s very little cost to it because you’ve let the child know that you’re there for them even in very difficult times. If you’re right, you’re going to move forward with a plan of action to keep them safe.” By initiating open dialogue now, parents can help their children navigate the complexities of modern technology while safeguarding their mental well‑being.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
