Preventing Social Media Suicidality
Donation protected
We are a group of 4 HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America) students at Friendswood High School who are working on our Community Awareness project. The topic we've chosen is how to prevent the effects of suicidality and suicidal ideas via social media.
This is a relevant issue among junior high and high school students who frequently use social media sights such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, etc. It is a common occurrence to see posts trending depicting ideas and tags with depression, grotesque themes, self-harm and suicide. Since depressive ideas are essentially contagious, young adults exposed to these themes are at higher risk of developing depressive and suicidal thoughts.
We aim to involve local businesses involved with mental health advocacy as well as patient clinics to set up an information booth at our Centennial Park event and/or sponsor us; we'll be hosting a day in the park in which these businesses hold a stand and we have a booth ourselves. There will be a Fun Run/Walk with proceeds donated to the National Suicide Prevention Foundation staffed by students and peers, local bands playing and other engaging activities for the community to participate in.
This aside, we aim to educate students and the community about this obscure issue by speaking at a public assembly in front of local junior highs and high schools, students and teachers, using an interactive PowerPoint, videos and activities. We've also spoken to the Medical Science classes at our own high school and given the presentation.
Another thing we've done is register for the 7 Cups of Tea course, becoming trained listeners for people needing advice on problems ranging from stress management to self-harm to depression. This makes us more qualified in giving advice and speaking about the subject.
Lastly, we are putting together a petition to Tumblr, Inc. encouraging them to implement stricter methods in their policies, since Tumblr is the least restrictive of what users can post.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about our project. Any help to support our funds to rent the park, buy flyers/bracelets and provide refreshments would be very appreciated. Help us spread the word about alleviating the impact of mental illnesses through social media throughout our community!
This is a relevant issue among junior high and high school students who frequently use social media sights such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, etc. It is a common occurrence to see posts trending depicting ideas and tags with depression, grotesque themes, self-harm and suicide. Since depressive ideas are essentially contagious, young adults exposed to these themes are at higher risk of developing depressive and suicidal thoughts.
We aim to involve local businesses involved with mental health advocacy as well as patient clinics to set up an information booth at our Centennial Park event and/or sponsor us; we'll be hosting a day in the park in which these businesses hold a stand and we have a booth ourselves. There will be a Fun Run/Walk with proceeds donated to the National Suicide Prevention Foundation staffed by students and peers, local bands playing and other engaging activities for the community to participate in.
This aside, we aim to educate students and the community about this obscure issue by speaking at a public assembly in front of local junior highs and high schools, students and teachers, using an interactive PowerPoint, videos and activities. We've also spoken to the Medical Science classes at our own high school and given the presentation.
Another thing we've done is register for the 7 Cups of Tea course, becoming trained listeners for people needing advice on problems ranging from stress management to self-harm to depression. This makes us more qualified in giving advice and speaking about the subject.
Lastly, we are putting together a petition to Tumblr, Inc. encouraging them to implement stricter methods in their policies, since Tumblr is the least restrictive of what users can post.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about our project. Any help to support our funds to rent the park, buy flyers/bracelets and provide refreshments would be very appreciated. Help us spread the word about alleviating the impact of mental illnesses through social media throughout our community!
Organizer
Molly Chen
Organizer
Friendswood, TX