SEATTLE NEWS ARCHIVES & FEATURES

Why are more young people killing themselves?

May 15, 2017, 4:17 PM

suicide...

The yellow ribbon is often used for suicide prevent in the United States and in other parts of the world. (Jared Keener, Flickr)

(Jared Keener, Flickr)

There is an increasing trend of young people killing themselves. Now, I know the media likes to present things as clickbait and a lot of this is tied to social media.

A Russian man invented a game called “The Blue Whale” and, apparently, he is proud that he has created a game that has resulted in players killing themselves. Possibly 160 young people have committed suicide because of this game. If this is all true, the creator of it is a monster.

RELATED: Victims of abuse should tell their stories

Puberty seems to be a strong tie to those that have killed themselves, but seasonality seems to be playing a part in this as well. When school is out, the rate of suicide slows down.

Kids always seem to gravitate to the side of the “bully” more than the one being bullied. And there is also the illusion that everyone else in the world is becoming famous via social media. But it’s just not true. Young people don’t carefully analyze these things through, and don’t see the reality of what is going on.

It’s easy for a young person to feel bullied and a bit like a loser because it seems like everyone else is becoming a success and getting famous.

I don’t think we can stop kids from using social media, but I think we need to talk compassionately to them about the facts. We should show them the small percentage of people who achieve fame from social media. And show them how quickly they are forgotten by the world if they kill themselves.

Not by their parents, though, they will be affected by their suicide forever.

As always, please listen to the full audio clip for complete context.

Please follow our Community Guidelines

Associated Press

Díaz-Canel questions US measures over new restrictions on Cuban private firms

HAVANA (AP) — Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel on Friday accused the United States of hypocrisy for promoting private enterprise on the island while imposing new restrictions against privately-owned Cuban businesses. Díaz-Canel hosted a podcast with Prime Minister Manuel Marrero to discuss the implementation of an economic reform package approved by parliament in June that gives […]

3 minutes ago

Mount Shuksan at North Cascades National Park...

Tim Hohl

North Cascades National Park turns 58

It may be the least famous of Washington's three national parks, but today belongs to North Cascades National Park.

6 minutes ago

Benson Polytechnic High School in Portland...

MyNorthwest Staff

Portland student faces domestic terrorism charge after school chemical incident

A student at Benson Polytechnic High School in Portland is facing a domestic terrorism charge after a chemical incident.

25 minutes ago

costco child forced labor oregon...

Frank Sumrall

Costco faces federal lawsuit accusing retailer of selling products linked to child and forced labor

Costco is facing a new federal lawsuit in Oregon accusing the retailer of selling hundreds of products linked to child and forced labor.

49 minutes ago

Associated Press

Christa Pike was on a ventilator and unconscious after failed Tennessee execution, attorneys say

NASHVILLE (AP) — Christa Pike remained in a hospital where she was on a ventilator and unconscious after her failed execution in Tennessee, her attorneys said in a court filing Friday. Hospital staff were working to save Pike’s life and “clear the pentobarbital she was administered from her system” as of late Thursday, the attorney’s […]

51 minutes ago

In this photo provided by Russian Foreign Ministry Press Service, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey L...

Associated Press

Turkey is considering nominating former foreign minister for top United Nations job

NEW YORK (AP) — Turkish officials have begun to shop around the idea of a former foreign minister joining the list of candidates vying to lead the United Nations as the monthslong race for secretary-general continues with no clear victor. Feridun Sinirlioglu, a 70-year-old former Turkish foreign minister and U.N. diplomat, floated his candidacy on […]

56 minutes ago

Why are more young people killing themselves?