Teen suicides prompt face-to-face emphasis
The Denver PostOct 17, 2017
Littleton students touched by recent teen suicides met this month to eat pancakes, play volleyball and soccer, and delete every social media app from their smartphones.
En masse on
"We're not saying social media causes suicide, because it doesn't," said
"We're saying you can just be real with people. Talk face to face. If you are depressed, just be open about it. You don't have to pretend your life is OK."
Roberts said he has spent more time hanging out with friends and calling them on the phone since he isn't using
Teens who made the blackout pledge say giving up social media is like trying to break an addiction. "I've fallen a couple of times, but I'm trying to get back on it," said one who contacted the Offline October organizers for advice. A survey of 400 teens participating in the blackout found that 50 percent had previously been spending two to three hours daily on social media and 50 percent said they had been depressed.
The core group of organizers, from Heritage and Mullen high schools and
After two suicides in two days at the start of the school year -- an
They built a website with the catchphrase "Don't post a story, live one," and they spread the word about the blackout in September through texts and, of course, social media. They plan to make it an annual event, a break from worrying about keeping up
Roberts, who runs a lawn service and counts tree-hammocking among his hobbies, is thinking about giving up
Roberts and founders
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Suicide preventation resources
Colorado Crisis Line: 1-844-493-8255, coloradocrisisservices .org. Chat online or text TALK to 38255.
Mental Health First Aid: mhfaco.org. Get trained to recognize the signs and how to respond.