It is important to remember, though, that when students talk about “back-to-school necklaces,” they aren’t referring to a cute new necklace for the upcoming school year.
It’s actually a disturbing phrase that might come up in conversation or on social media, despite the fact that it doesn’t seem threatening at first. That being the case, could you please define a “back-to-school necklace” for me? To elaborate, we say.
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What is a “back to school necklace”?
Urban Dictionary defines a necklace worn by students on their way back to class as “another name for a noose.” This is because of how down you feel when school starts up again.
Here are some specific applications: I’m getting ready to go out and buy my new jewelry for school. Common words for the new school year include, “I’m thinking about that necklace,” “That necklace is calling to me,” “I can’t wait to wear my necklace,” and so on.
Even while it may seem harmless to people who are unaware of its true meaning, a “return to school” necklace is actually a call for aid because it is a code for hanging death.
Nonetheless, if parents learn this word, they will be better able to help their children who encounter it in the future.
How do parents explain this back-to-school necklace phrase to kids?
If you don’t know how to broach the matter with your child, psychotherapist Samantha Westhouse, LLMSW recommends allowing your youngster to take the lead.
She suggests kicking things off by saying, “I heard about back-to-school necklaces, do you know anything about that?” In my opinion, it’s always beneficial to be completely honest with one another. Your child has to feel safe enough to share their feelings with you if you want them to do so.
The act of just checking in can be of great assistance. School social worker and family therapist Emily Cavaleri, LLMSW, says parents should feel comfortable broaching the topic of their children’s mental health.
In the context of back-to-school conversations, it might be helpful to talk about your own experiences with back-to-school time, particularly if you remember having any anxiety as a kid. Advise them that you will be there for them as they work through their feelings and that you will get them help from a professional if necessary.
Why do students dread returning to school?
Students’ anxiety is reasonable as they prepare to return to school after the summer break and adjust to a new routine. For many reasons, going back to school might be overwhelming.
Some pupils find it difficult to adjust to ideas of a new school, teacher, schedule, etc. Students are switching from a laid-back schedule and early mornings to busy days.
Students frequently feel as though they cannot overcome these difficulties. After all, according to the CDC, 40 percent more high school students in 2019 reported experiencing persistent emotions of melancholy or hopelessness than they did in 2009.
It can be a combination of age and how socialization has been in the last two years. When we all went into lockdown, 13-year-olds were 10 years old, if we think back to that time.
They missed out on regular clubs, athletics, and socializing since they were attending school electronically. The epidemic of school shootings that has taken place in recent years should be included as well. There is always a consequence.
What are some red flags that parents should watch out for?
Spending time alone, acting withdrawn, irritability, crying easily and frequently, sleeping more than usual, difficulty sleeping, and overall a change in behavior are all indications that your child may be seriously considering suicide or that they are using this phrase as a cry for help.
It’s possible that your youngster uses this term on their phones even if you haven’t heard them say it. They could utilize text messages or social media to use it. Parents need to monitor their kids’ use of technology.
Look for warning indicators in your children, from young children to adolescents age, as students of any age may be using this phrase and feeling this way.
What should children know about using or hearing “back-to-school necklace” with their peers?
The repercussions of using this phrase should be made plain to the children. Jokes about intentionally injuring or dying oneself are never funny. No one should feel bad about reaching out for help if they are truly struggling with these feelings.
If a youngster overhears or sees another child saying this term, they should report it to an adult regardless of whether or not their friend tells them not to.
In spite of your child or teen’s first dismissal of the situation as humorous, it is important that they come to realize the gravity of the situation. If your child hears something being used in school, they can bring it to the attention of their teachers if you inform the school.
What resources can help children and teens who are overwhelmed by the school?
Some kids’ initial point of contact for help is their own family. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that parents who want their adolescents to make healthy decisions keep a close eye on them.
Parents should engage in activities with their adolescents, and be involved in the school community through volunteer work or consistent communication with teachers and administrators.
In order to lessen your child’s anxiety before returning to school, prepare for it early by getting organized, visiting the school or walking [their] schedule if possible, getting enough sleep, and maintaining a nutritious diet.
Summary
When it comes to teenagers, adults need to be on their toes. Therefore, as adults, they should constantly search for other elements that can increase their children’s risk of suicide. And see if any of the previously offered remedies might assist the youth in turning their pessimistic ideas into cheerful ones.
