We all know the emotional effects of teen suicide. It’s devastating. It can shatter the lives of friends and family, and leave schoolmates wondering whether there was something they could have done to prevent it.
But did you know there can be legal effects as well?
The consequences of teen suicide were recently felt in the courtroom as an Indiana family took legal action against school officials they believe didn’t do enough to help their suicidal student, who had been bullied.
The grieving family members of 15-year-old Billy Lucas, who committed suicide in 2010, filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against the teen’s school, alleging officials knew that Billy was being bullied, but did nothing to protect him. The lawsuit states Billy was targeted for his ethnic background and because students thought he might be gay. The family’s attorney said Billy had to endure “relentless harassment, ridicule and bullying” at the school for years.
Here’s what make the situation even worse. The lawsuit says the principal not only turned a blind eye to the bullying, but also piled on with statements like: “If someone beat you up, I wouldn’t know whether to give him an award or to suspend him.”
The bottom line is this: We need to help those who are struggling. That’s the only way we can prevent the thousands of teen suicides that happen across the U.S. every year. So here’s some warning signs that might come in handy, whether you’re a parent or a teacher:
- Disinterest in a favorite extracurricular activity
- Substance abuse, including alcohol and drugs
- Behavioral problems
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Sleep changes
- Different eating habits
- Neglect of hygiene and personal appearance
- Physical complaints (aches, fatigues, migraines)
- Difficulty concentrating
- Bad grades in school
- Loss of interest in schoolwork
- Risk-taking behaviors
You probably won’t see all of these warning signs at once. But if you notice two or more behaviors, it’s a sign that your teenager is depressed or having suicidal thoughts. Acting on those warning signs could save a life.