Teen Suicide and Schools

Paper Summary:

The recent spate of school shootings has focused attention on violent behavior among teenagers. However, little attention has been given to another insidious and more common form of violence among young people -- the rise in teenagers committing suicide. This paper looks at the silent epidemic of teen suicide and the role schools could play in addressing this issue. The first part of the paper is an overview of teen suicide, looking at the scope of the problem and main causes of suicide among young people. In the second part, the paper looks at the changing role schools have played in preventing suicide and examines the current suicide prevention programs in place. Finally, the paper studies the barriers that stand in the way of such programs and suggests solutions to the problems.

From the Paper:

"The advent of two-income households and single parent families has changed the role schools play in the lives of young people. After all, many adolescents spend at least one-third of the day in school, or more for those involved in extra-curricular activities (King, 132). This has led to a broader definition of the term in loco parentis, the principle of temporary parental power originally conferred by Roman citizens on their children's Greek teachers. In the United States, writes Portner, this power to discipline students also carried a corresponding responsibility to keep children from harm. (Portner, "Suicide,")."

More papers on Teen Suicide and Schools:

• Term Paper # 145333 : "Teen Suicide in the US"
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• Article Review # 105020 : "A Review of Terling's Article on Private Schools"

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