The Connection Between Bullying and Suicide: Understanding the Risks

Bullying is a serious issue that can have devastating consequences, including suicide. It is a leading cause of suicide among young people, and understanding the connection between bullying and suicide is crucial in preventing these tragic outcomes. In this article, we'll explore the link between bullying and suicide and provide tips for preventing these devastating consequences.

The Connection Between Bullying and Suicide:

1. Increased Risk: Children who are bullied are at a higher risk of suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and completed suicide.

2. Psychological Distress and Trauma: Bullying can cause depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem, which can contribute to suicidal thoughts and behaviours.

3. Social Isolation: Bullied youth may try to protect themselves by remaining socially isolated, which can worsen feelings of loneliness and hopelessness and increase the victim’s risk of suicide.

Tips for Preventing Suicide:

1. Recognise Warning Signs: As a parent, learn to recognise warning signs of suicide, such as talking about wanting to die, or feeling hopeless, useless or trapped.

2. Take Action: If you suspect that someone is at risk of suicide, take action. Talk to the person, seek professional help, or call a crisis hotline. If a young person being bullied is suicidal, have them contact BullyingCanada. They will be immediately connected to a professional counsellor.

3. Provide Support: Having young bullying victims contact BullyingCanada will provide them with one-on-one wrap around support for as long as it takes to end the bullying, deal with suicidal feelings, and helping them heal.

4. Promote Positive Social Interactions: Interacting with supportive people will reduce feelings of social isolation and promote mental health and well-being.

Bullying is a leading cause of suicide among young people, and it is crucial to understand the link between bullying and suicide to prevent these tragic outcomes. By recognising the warning signs of suicide, taking action, providing support, and promoting positive social interactions, we can work together to prevent the devastating consequences of bullying and suicide. Remember that BullyingCanada is available 24/7 for bullied youth considering suicide.

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