D-Teflon and the SBT Project Team work tirelessly to save lives from the tragedy of suicide. There have been several occasions following D-Teflon’s powerful School Presentation where students admitted they had planned to kill themselves that very day. And, because of D-Teflon’s message of Hope and Empowerment, they now feel life is worth living. The Bullying-Suicide Connection.

Students should be encouraged to talk about bullying incidents and the effect bullying has on them. If they are experiencing depression or suicidal thoughts, professional help should be sought. Parents, teachers and school administrators need to be diligent about keeping the lines of communication open and asking children if they are being victimized in any way. Most kids don’t want to admit they are being harassed and will often hold in their hurt and pain, and feel that confronting the situation will make it worse. But not talking about it can have drastic results. The father of a Florida student spoke with D-Teflon just days after his son’s tragic suicide. His son had been bullied on the bus relentlessly. One day he couldn’t take it anymore. He texted his mom, “I Love You,” then took his life with a handgun retrieved from his parent’s bedroom. With indescribable pain in his voice, this boy’s father said

Communication is Key

Students should be encouraged to talk about bullying incidents and the effect bullying has on them.

If they are experiencing depression or suicidal thoughts, professional help should be sought. Parents, teachers and school administrators need to be diligent about keeping the lines of communication open and asking children if they are being victimized in any way. Most kids don’t want to admit they are being harassed and will often hold in their hurt and pain, and feel that confronting the situation will make it worse. But not talking about it can have drastic results. Repeated emotional and physical abuse can tragically lead to suicide or have life-long consequences on an individual’s self-esteem and well-being. Schools are especially challenged to address the growing issues of bullying in all its forms and implement ways to stop it.

Suicide Warning Signs

Suicidal thoughts or threats of suicide need to be taken seriously. Behaviors that are often a precursor to suicide include: