Teen Suicide

Although the rate of teen suicides have leveled off, the actual annual number is still three times higher than in the 1950s, and suicide is still the third largest killer of teenagers in America today. Mental health professionals talk about the factors which propel teens to attempt suicide (depression, substance abuse, etc., while the fictional stories of three teens is interwoven throughout. The stylish presentation sometimes goes too far (an actor sticks a gun into his mouth at one point, but it's nothing that kids haven't already seen in any number of Hollywood movies. While acknowledging that problems at home or school may seem unbearable, the video repeatedly underscores the point that suicide is not the answer; seeking help is the answer. The tape concludes with a list of hotlines for troubled teens to call. Better than Suicide (VL-11/93, Teen Suicide is recommended. (R. Pitman)