#18 - Can Schools Stop Teen Suicide?

I don't think that a school can stop a teen from committing suicide if that student is at that point, however I think that they can help students never even have to consider suicide as an option. In schools, there are some staff members that go way above and beyond the job description, coaching, mentoring, helping with clubs, however there are those that come, teach and go home. I think that those few that only teach could have a big impact on student's lives if they show that they care. If they only teach, it could send the message that they aren't good enough to spend any more time with, however if they help kids at lunch and are easy to just talk to, then more kids could have teachers as mentors. Schools don't have much control over a student's home life, but for six hours a day, teachers can help students have a different, more positive outlook on life. Obviously, one teacher can't do this alone, so every teacher needs to be a part of this. Also, if teachers share their story, of how they grew up, if they were bullied and some struggles they had, students would be more likely to trust them. I think that this would take a while to catch on with teachers and students, but we can't hide our problems and troubles and expect them to disappear. Issues need to be talked about, everyone needs someone to trust and mental health can't be an embarrassment anymore. Bullying, teasing, depression, suicide - it needs to stop here.