Now that the school year is coming to an end, we would like to thank you for the support you have given to all AFS students who have studied and lived in your community. After school ends, as you are most likely aware, some students can fall into the trap of engaging in unsafe behaviors such as attending parties where drugs and alcohol may be present, getting into unsafe situations while driving with other teenagers, or participating in other dangerous behaviors.

To help support AFS Volunteers who provide guidance for teen students, we have put together the following resources on the topic of student mental health and safety. Please find additional information and links to helpful tips below.

You may be aware that many high schoolers, AFS students included, have been binge watching a recently (March 31, 2017) released NETFLIX show called 13 Reasons Why. It is based on a young adult book released in 2007, in which a teenager sends out tapes to different individuals about their involvement in her suicide. According to a recent NY Times article, many mental health experts contend that the show’s messages on suicide are “inaccurate and potentially dangerous.” As a result, many superintendents and school counselors have sent letters to parents warning them of the potential danger of having their teenagers watch this show without adults present or without engaging in dialogue about suicide prevention. Other advice from health professionals includes taking breaks, watching the show with someone they trust, or even avoiding the show, especially if the young adult has been struggling with mental health issues or thoughts of self-harm.

We thank you for being mindful of these potential dangers, discussing them with students and host families at upcoming orientations, and keeping a watchful eye out for any signs that you observe yourself or are made aware of by anyone else involved in the lives of our students.

Please contact your support specialist if you have any questions or concerns, and thank you again for helping to keep our students well and safe.

Safe Messaging for Students

1. Suicide is never a solution. It is an irreversible choice regarding a temporary problem. There is help. If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide or know someone who is, talk to a trusted adult, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text “START” to 741741.
2. Don’t be afraid to talk to your friends about how they feel and let them know you care about them.
3. Be an “upstander” and take actions to reduce bullying and increase positive connections among others. Report concerns.
4. Never promise to keep secret behaviors that represent a danger toward another person.
5. Suicide is preventable. People considering suicide typically say something or do something that is a warning sign. Always take warning signs seriously, which may include:
   • Suicide threats, both direct (“I am going to kill myself.”) and indirect (“I wish I could fall asleep and never wake up.”). These can be verbal, written, or posted online.
   • Suicide notes and planning, including online postings.
   • Preoccupation with death in conversation, writing, drawing, and social media.
   • Changes in behavior, appearance/hygiene, thoughts, and/or feelings.
   • Emotional distress.
6. Separate myths and facts about suicide.
   • MYTH: Talking about suicide will make someone choose death by suicide who has never thought about it before. FACT: There is no evidence to suggest that talking about suicide plants the idea. Talking with your friend about how they feel and letting them know that you care about them is important. This is the first step in getting your friend help.
   • MYTH: People who struggle with depression or other mental illness are just weak. FACT: Depression and other mental illnesses are serious health conditions and are treatable.
   • MYTH: People who talk about suicide won’t really do it. FACT: People, particularly young people who are thinking about suicide, typically demonstrate warning signs. Always take these warning signs seriously.
7. Never leave the person alone; seek out a trusted adult immediately. School-employed mental health professionals like your school psychologist are trusted sources of help.
8. Work with other students and the adults in the school if you want to develop a memorial for someone who has died by suicide. Although decorating a student’s locker, creating a memorial social media page, or other similar activities are quick ways to remember the student who has died, they may influence others to imitate or have thoughts of wanting to die as well. It is recommended that schools develop memorial activities that encourage hope and promote positive outcomes for others (e.g., suicide prevention programs).

Read these helpful points from SAVE.org and the JED Foundation to further understand how 13 Reasons Why dramatizes situations and the realities of suicide. You may also find it useful to read through the National Association of School Psychologists’ article for educators on this topic. See Save a Friend: Tips for Teens to Prevent Suicide for additional information.

Thank you for everything you do!

The AFS USA Support Team