Challenge DUE September 7-8th, 2024!

September we want to share as much about Suicide Prevention it is after-all Suicide Prevention Month and tied heavily to the Miss Tourism Global Platform.

Information collected from the National Institute of Health. Suicide is a significant concern among young people, with bullying playing a crucial role. Research indicates that individuals involved in bullying—whether as bullies, victims, or both—are more likely to experience suicidal thoughts and behaviors compared to those not involved.

Here is headline NEWS: Girls typically do not tell anyone they are being bullied because the bully is generally a friend or popular student, well liked by parents and teachers, knows how to charm others but is relentless to their victim. The victim fears it will only make it worse if they tell because they don't believe anyone would believe a popular kid would be capable of such horrible actions. Yet a popular kid is more able to recruit others to join in. They typically start off with name calling, then rumors, ignoring, cyber bullying, and can escalate to a group of girls ganging up on the victim. It is done in a way no one ever hears or witnesses it. Until the victim feels so hopeless she never wants to be around anyone is often alone. This is a sad but true reality for many girls.

Bullying tends to peak between the ages of 11 and 13, affecting both boys and girls. Each group involved in bullying faces distinct challenges, such as depression, anxiety, and family issues. Protective factors like self-esteem, social support, and academic success can help mitigate these risks. A study from February 2022 found that over half of bullies and bully-victims sought support from friends, classmates, or colleagues.

However, it is concerning that 20.17% of bullies did not feel the need for help, underscoring the importance of increased awareness and prevention efforts. According to the National Institute of Health, suicide was the 2nd leading cause of death for adolescents in the United States and globally is the leading cause of death in females aged 15–19.

From a 2015 study, According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 29.9% of United States high school students reported feeling sad or hopeless on most days within at least a consecutive 2-week period.

Suicide prevention efforts in the U.S. began in the 1950s, spearheaded by dedicated clinicians. By the 1980s, individuals affected by suicide losses joined the cause, leading to the development of the 2001 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention. These ongoing efforts continue to shape suicide prevention nationwide. Further research is necessary to better understand how risk and protective factors influence suicidal thoughts and behaviors in different groups, and our study aims to explore these connections in greater depth.

CHALLENGE: BEGIN: September 7or 8th, then September 14 or 15th, then September 21 or 22th, then last September 24 or 25th of 2024. You should do 4 social media posts with your photo also for those who can do video do a video too, we want the photo pics too in crown and sash. Once you have your post share it to a minimum of 20 groups all over social media starting with the Miss Tourism Group.

Suicide is heavily tied to bullying we know this from the countless testimonies from actual victims. Lets make a difference on social media once a week in the month of September or more post a social post covering these things:

1. The Suicide Prevention Hotline Text or call 988

2. Let others know you are available to talk to them without judgement

3. Cyberbully leads to suicide

4. Its not just the outcast that bully's sometimes its the jock, the cheerleader, the popular ones.

5. Recognize the Warning Signs: Withdrawing from friends, saying goodbye, giving away important items, or making a will. Taking dangerous risks such as driving extremely fast. Displaying extreme mood swings. Eating or sleeping more or less.

6. Photos and video should be posted on Saturday or Sunday and share to as many groups as possible use the #SuicidePrevention

   #StopBullying #MentalHealthMatters #EndYouthSuicide #SupportOurTeens #NoMoreBullying #TalkToSomeone #BreakTheSilence

Specific to Girls and Bullying

• #GirlsAgainstBullying

• #StandWithVictims

• #EmpowerYoungGirls

• #SilentSuffering

• #SupportOurGirls

• #ProtectOurTeens

Campaign and Action-Oriented

• #BeAFriend

• #ReachOutSpeakUp

• #988Lifeline

• #YouAreNotAlone

• #SocialMediaChallenge

• #PostWithPurpose

Promoting Awareness

• #RecognizeTheSigns

• #StopTheCycle

• #BullyingHurts

• #TogetherWeCan

• #ShareToCare

Lets make others feel safe and put a stop to suicide through bullying