SPTS Community lets teens know, You Are Not Alone
Suicide is now the 2nd leading cause of death for youth, age 15 to 24. Yet, we know that suicide is preventable. On December 2, 2015, students throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties joined together to help SPTS in an awareness spreading campaign to help let teens know that they are never alone.
The holidays can be a stressful time, and being a teen doesn’t make it any easier. From midterms to finals, to traveling a
nd balancing sports and clubs, the year end can become a pretty hectic time in the life of a high school student. With the designation of December 2nd, the campaign aimed to help let students know that help is out there. The idea was to have students take a selfie with the message, you are not alone. A similiar message would go along with the post, providing resources for anyone who may need it: “Suicide is now the 2nd leading cause of death for youth aged 15-24. Don’t be silent; spread the message. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Help @SPTSUSA #saveteens! Reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline @800273TALK. Help is out there.”
The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide, together with an incredible amount of support from their Youth Council, launched a Thunder Clap campaign with a 198,088 social reach. Posts came from SPTS staff, Youth Advisory Board Members, and Youth Council members. Students from Rumson Fair Haven, Communications, Freehold, Point Pleasant, and more took part in the campaign. SPTS was overwhelmed by the support of students at Biotechnology High School in Freehold, NJ were 80 students participated in the campaign at their school.
Help us continue to make sure that EVERYONE knows just how much support they have. With free resources for parents, educators, and teens – SPTS is dedicated to helping save the lives of teens. Visit www.sptsusa.org for more information. Youth suicide prevention is everybody’s business. And remember, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is there to help, 24/7, at 1-800-273-8255.
