If you or someone you know needs help, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or live chat at 988Lifeline.org
BOONE COUNTY, Ky. — Following incidents of suicide and suicide attempts, Boone County Public Schools has reminded parents there are several mental health resources available for students.
The district also made it clear it has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to bullying. In a statement sent to media outlets Monday night, Boone County Schools said "every allegation of bullying brought to the district is thoroughly investigated and addressed pursuant to Board Policy 09.422, state and federal law."
Boone County Schools added resources include access to nurses, psychologists, counselors and school resource officers, a district-wide health and wellness program, relationships with community mental health partners and training for staff, students and families that "focuses on recognizing and addressing health and wellness concerns, promoting resilience and ensuring safety."
"Any student who feels bullied, abused, sad or depressed or who has experienced threats of violence or concerning behavior can reach out to a school administrator, counselor or trusted teacher for assistance," Boone County Schools said. "Anyone can also make an anonymous report on the KCSS S.T.O.P. Tipline found on the Boone County Schools website or by calling/texting 866-EYE-on KY (866-393-6659)."
The district said it has had a few students commit suicide and other students attempt suicide this school year and wanted to send out helpful information.
“We have recently learned that youth are struggling, and we've seen increases in the number of youth that are reaching out for our screening,” said Rich Palmer, communications director of Mental Health America of Northern Kentucky and Southwest Ohio, an organization that works to reduce the stigma around mental health.
“It's somewhat new to us over the past couple of years to see such an increase in younger people looking for help. We know that social media is there every day. We know that digital devices are in their hands every day.“It's somewhat new to us over the past couple of years to see such an increase in younger people looking for help. We know that social media is there every day. We know that digital devices are in their hands every day. And we're starting to see data that points back to the lack of ... connected, social, person-to-person environments.”
One program the organization offers is mental health first aid instruction, a three-year certification available to anyone, including young adults. There’s also a program for teens to learn basic skills in communicating with each other.
“When we see that a young person is dealing with a challenge or a struggle, we don't always have the right approach or we don't always have the right response to that because we're working from our emotions,” Palmer said.
Palmer added parents need to be direct with their children.
“It's probably the hardest thing for us to do as a parent is to open up that conversation," he said. "But definitely ask your child if they're OK. Ask them if they're contemplating suicide and say it that way. 'Are you thinking about suicide or are you thinking about killing yourself?' Because when we ask them if they want to hurt themselves, it's a different conversation."
“They will be really good at trying not to hurt their parent's feelings. They'll try very hard not to cause distress or shame. So we need to be direct.”
Visit the organization's website for more information.
