Today, children are increasingly at risk, and suicide is a real concern for many parents. Recognizing the signs of suicidal thoughts early can save lives. The good news is that suicide is preventable with the right action at the right time. If your child talks about hurting themselves, never leave them alone. It’s important to listen and offer support, but it can be even more helpful to hire a counselor who can handle the situation professionally.
In 2021, suicide was the third leading cause of death among U.S. high school students aged 14–18, with 1,952 suicide-related deaths, resulting in a rate of 9.0 per 100,000 youths.
The suicide rate among children aged 10–14 tripled from 2007 through 2018, highlighting a concerning trend in this younger age group.
CDC.
When children talk about suicide, it’s important to understand that they don’t really want to die – they just want to escape the pain they’re going through. If your child talks about suicidal thoughts, don’t take it as a threat. Watch for any signs of suicidal thoughts and take immediate action. Here are some key warning signs to watch out for:
A child contemplating suicide may withdraw from activities they once enjoyed, including distancing themselves from friends and family. They might avoid social events or isolate themselves. If you notice them pulling away from everything they once cared about, it could be a sign they’re struggling emotionally.
Children experiencing suicidal thoughts may show signs of deep sadness, anxiety, or irritability. While mood swings are common, pay attention if they suddenly become unusually calm, as this could indicate they have already made up their mind about suicide.
Frequent outbursts of anger or frustration can signal underlying emotional turmoil. If your child seems more irritable or aggressive than usual, take it seriously. Approaching the subject of suicide with care, empathy, and without judgment can help your child feel heard and understood during this difficult time.
A decline in academic performance or social withdrawal at school can indicate something is wrong. Your child might also struggle with sleep problems, nightmares, or changes in eating habits, such as loss of appetite or overeating. If you notice these signs, it’s important to check in with them and explore what might be going on.
If your child is dealing with family problems or has gone through a traumatic life event, they might be more vulnerable to suicidal thoughts. Although these signs don’t necessarily mean your child will attempt suicide, it’s essential to respond with care, attention, and concern to ensure they feel supported.
Self-injury, such as cutting or burning themselves, can be a coping mechanism for children experiencing emotional pain. Along with emotional changes, this behavior is a serious red flag. It’s crucial to talk to your child, limit access to dangerous items like alcohol or sharp objects, and seek professional help to prevent suicide.
Preventing suicide in children is one of the most important responsibilities a parent can have. This includes interacting positively with your child, providing emotional support, and creating an environment that is conducive to mental health. Here are some detailed steps to help prevent suicide in your child:
As a parent, identifying the early signs of suicidal thoughts in your child can be incredibly challenging, but also vital in preventing further harm. iKeyMonitor is an essential tool that can help you monitor your child’s digital activity and provide a sense of security. Here’s how iKeyMonitor can assist in tracking potential warning signs:
iKeyMonitor allows you to track all text messages and chat conversations your child has on various social media platforms, including Snapchat, WhatsApp, and more. By carefully reviewing these conversations, you can identify if your child is talking about depression, feeling hopeless, or even discussing self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
Social media platforms can often be a source of emotional distress for children. iKeyMonitor helps parents track social media activity, such as posts, messages, and shared content, enabling you to monitor interactions that may point to feelings of loneliness or distress.
iKeyMonitor records all keystrokes on your child’s device, which can help you detect signs of distress. For instance, repeated searches for topics related to self-harm, suicide, or how to cope with sadness can be identified. Additionally, you can see which apps your child is using, allowing you to track patterns in their behavior that might indicate they’re isolating themselves or engaging with harmful content.
With iKeyMonitor, you can set up custom alerts for keywords or phrases that suggest your child may be experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress. For example, if your child types phrases like “I want to die” or “no one cares,” you’ll be immediately alerted.
In addition to monitoring written communication, iKeyMonitor also enables you to track voice and video calls. This feature can help you listen to conversations that may provide clues to your child’s emotional state. If they’re expressing thoughts of worthlessness or isolation, you’ll be able to step in and offer the support they need.
Suicide is a growing concern among children, with warning signs of suicide like withdrawal, depression, anger outbursts, and self-injury. Recognizing these signs early can prevent tragic outcomes. Tools like iKeyMonitor help parents track digital activity and monitor conversations, offering insights into their child’s emotional state.