Online Suicide Pacts

Teenagers are in the developing stages of their lives emotionally and physically. They are using diverse forms of technology on a daily basis to communicate and express themselves in numerous ways. It is more difficult to be a teenager today than it was several decades ago, there seems to be a lack of social communication skills as teens become more involved in interactions using technology rather than face to face activities. They are unable to build meaningful friendships and lasting relationships that can help them develop emotionally.

With no in-depth relationships they are unable to communicate and reach out for help when needed. Some may turn to other methods to make a statement or to prove a point such is the situation with those who make suicide pacts online and post the actual event. According to the center for disease control suicide is the third leading cause of death in those ages 15-24. The rate of teens committing suicide is increasing and becoming more real for many parents. While doing research for this topic I came across a website www.teenlineonline.org it was shocking for me to read the despair and depression felt by teens today. As parents we need to be aware of sites available online that relate to suicide pacts and the warning signs.