Youth suicide not only represents the loss of untapped and unbridled potential, it carries with it a profound sense of failure by the living. The aftermath begs the question: What could have prevented this needless tragedy?
The reasons why an adolescent might decide to end their life are diverse. They can be as innocuous as societal or academic stress, as evidenced by a spate of recent suicides in Palo Alto, or as insidious as aggressive bullying fueled by misguided bigotry. In fact, LGBTQ youth are up to four times more likely to attempt suicide as their straight peers, with nearly half of young transgender kids having seriously considered taking their own lives. Sadly, these thoughts can quickly translate into action, as in the case of Taylor Alesana, a 16-year-old transgender girl from Fallbrook, California who died by suicide last year in the face of constant bullying online and in school.
As a classroom teacher, I have personally dealt with the devastating impacts cruelty perpetrated by fellow classmates can have on a student. Indeed, our kids spend so much time in school that educators often serve as the first line of defense when a child is suffering from depression or suicidal thoughts. This is why, as chair of Assembly Education Committee, I introduced AB 2246, requiring local school districts to adopt a comprehensive suicide prevention plan. Having successfully made its way through the Legislature, the bill is now on the governor’s desk, where it awaits his signature.
Supported by organizations devoted to advocating on behalf of social justice, such as The Trevor Project and Equality California, AB 2246 will help get teachers the resources they require to recognize and support the needs of at-risk kids. The bill instructs school boards to adopt suicide-prevention policies developed by the community and experts in suicide prevention. The policies are mandated to include prevention and intervention measures, as well as proper counseling in the wake of suicides to curtail further tragedy. If the bill is signed into law, local school districts will have the flexibility to tailor a plan that meets the needs of their community. In order to achieve successful outcomes, the California Department of Education will also provide guidance in the form of model policy that satisfies basic standards.Â
As tempting as it might be to assume the children and young adults in our lives will never be touched by suicide, the reality is one out of six students nationwide in grades 9—12 considered suicide in the past year. With root causes ranging from abusive environments, to neglect of mental health, to overwhelming trauma, the warning signs manifest differently from kid to kid. And as a result, a call for help can be difficult to identify. Still, with parents, teachers and schools partnering together, young lives can be saved. As tough as the challenge may seem, nothing compares to the reward of watching each and every child grow up to realize their dreams.
O’Donnell is chair of the California Assembly’s Education Committee.
