A Back to School Necklace - The Real Story

The time of year has come, parents every where are finishing up last minute “back to school” shopping and preparing their children for a new school year. At times, a kid may have a wish list of items they feel they need to be fully prepared for school. This list can include new shoes, new clothes, or the latest trend in school supplies. However, some students may want to shop for a “back to school necklace” this summer. Now, I know you may be thinking “a necklace is not something unusual for my kid to want to wear.” However, among younger generations a “back to school necklace” is a slang term for a noose. The term is often used by students that have feelings of suicide as they return to school.

Nationally, suicide is the second leading cause of death among persons 15-24 (Youth.Gov). However, suicide attempts are estimated to be 1 out of every 15 high school students (Youth.Gov). Utilizing the phrase “back to school necklace” may mean that your student may be struggling with their mental health. Most experts deem that common warning signs your child may be thinking about suicide can include:
• Giving away belongings
• Acting withdrawn
• Sleeping more than usual
• A loss of interest in things they used to enjoy
• Frequent irritability
These common warning signs can also be a sign of growing up in some children, however, experts agree that any major change in behaviors that are normal for your child maybe a cause for concern. If you feel like your child may be contemplating suicide either you or your child can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK (8255) for help and additional mental health resources this coming school year.

Resources:
https://parade.com/living/what-is-back-to-school-necklace
https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/pregnancyparenting/what-parents-need-to-know-about-the-back-to-school-necklace-trend/ar-AA10rtul?ocid=entnewsntp&cvid=4ddab48a8f9d452aa93405bdadc86311
https://youth.gov/youth-topics/youth-suicide-prevention