Social media can be a lifeline: peer support groups,
awareness campaigns, crisis helplines, and mental health
education that can reach so many people who might
Otherwise, suffer in silence.
Social Media platforms can also be a double-edged sword,
especially when dealing with the contagion effect (Romanticizing
suicide and acts of violence) particularly among young
teens and adults. Sadly, my beautiful, vibrant, artistic, and
kindhearted 13-year-old daughter was drawn by her
curiosity and loneliness, which led her to the dark side of an
extremist group. Idolizing suicide and mass school
shooters.
Audree chose suicide a week after her 13th birthday.
This group is not new; it has been around for decades.
The group now presents itself through popular social
media platforms (ROBLOX, Discord, and TikTok).
As a mother, I did my best to have parental controls set on
her phone, while giving her guidance and respecting her
growing independence to become the amazing person I
knew she would be.
I bring up this issue because it is real, it is HAPPENING.
awareness campaigns, crisis helplines, and mental health
education that can reach so many people who might
Otherwise, suffer in silence.
Social Media platforms can also be a double-edged sword,
especially when dealing with the contagion effect (Romanticizing
suicide and acts of violence) particularly among young
teens and adults. Sadly, my beautiful, vibrant, artistic, and
kindhearted 13-year-old daughter was drawn by her
curiosity and loneliness, which led her to the dark side of an
extremist group. Idolizing suicide and mass school
shooters.
Audree chose suicide a week after her 13th birthday.
This group is not new; it has been around for decades.
The group now presents itself through popular social
media platforms (ROBLOX, Discord, and TikTok).
As a mother, I did my best to have parental controls set on
her phone, while giving her guidance and respecting her
growing independence to become the amazing person I
knew she would be.
I bring up this issue because it is real, it is HAPPENING.
It has now been 8 months since she laid out her clothes
for school the next day, and told me good night and gave
me the last “I love you too, mom”
There are so many (what ifs and whys) that go through my
Head daily.
Audree is now guiding me to make a difference, either that
be through making friendship bracelets with local
communities while providing resources for suicide support
and mental health professionals, or just by bringing
awareness to subjects, that as parents, do not cross your
mind while watching your child be so seemingly happy and
thriving in life.
In honor of Audree Megan and everyone we have lost, we
must stay proactive. Social media is not going to go away,
and regardless of how hard we try to shield our children,
We must stay educated while having open communication
and knowing that online platforms are a double-edged sword.
for school the next day, and told me good night and gave
me the last “I love you too, mom”
There are so many (what ifs and whys) that go through my
Head daily.
Audree is now guiding me to make a difference, either that
be through making friendship bracelets with local
communities while providing resources for suicide support
and mental health professionals, or just by bringing
awareness to subjects, that as parents, do not cross your
mind while watching your child be so seemingly happy and
thriving in life.
In honor of Audree Megan and everyone we have lost, we
must stay proactive. Social media is not going to go away,
and regardless of how hard we try to shield our children,
We must stay educated while having open communication
and knowing that online platforms are a double-edged sword.