Teen Suicide: A Permanent Solution to a Temporary Problem

Within the next twenty-four hours, sixteen teenagers will successfully end their own lives. Dozens more will try. Teen Suicide reminds viewers that there's always another way out, help is always available, and that life is worth living. Narrated by a teen, and including interviews with teens who once contemplated or attempted suicide, the program looks at the causes of suicidal tendencies, potential warning signs, and how to help a suicidal friend. In addition, the Emmes, a couple who lost their son, explain their Yellow Ribbon Program, a national suicide prevention and awareness outreach program. While the handouts provide useful facts and additional resources, the video itself isn't anything spectacular (and it suffers a bit from using completely inappropriate music in some places; i.e. upbeat action music while a teen tells us about wanting to die). Still, even though the content is somewhat general and barely skims the surface of a very complex issue, this could be a decent starting point for a vital discussion. Better choices, however, would be: Preventing Adolescent Suicide (VL-7/98) and Suicide: A Guide to Prevention (VL-11/98). Aud: J, H, P. (E. Gieschen)