As summer is about to close to an end as the summer season is over, it’s common to be informed about everything related to back-to-school. Shopping is one thing that’s common to be heard about during this time of year. After all, heading to the market to purchase new school outfits and accessories is a fun experience for parents as well as kids. However, if you’re hearing kids discussing their favorite necklaces for back-to-school it’s important to keep in mind that they’re not discussing a brand new, adorable necklace. It’s more of a troubling phrase (that isn’t a cause for concern at first glance) that you may be hearing in conversations or in social networks. What exactly is a necklace for back-to-school.
What exactly is an “back-to-school necklace”?
In the Urban Dictionary, back-to-school jewelry is described as “another term for a noose. This is because of to the total despair you experience when school starts again again.Some examples are: “I’m about to buy my back-to-school necklace,” “I can’t wait to get a back-to-school necklace,” “Thinking about that back-to-school necklace,” “That back-to-school necklace is calling me,” “I can’t wait to wear my back-to-school necklace,” etc.So while a back-to school necklace may sound innocent to those who don’t know its true meaning however, it’s in reality a call for help, since it’s a signal for hanging death. However, once parents are educated on the meaning behind this phrase and the meaning behind it, they’re in better position to aid.
What can parents do to discuss the latest trending necklace for back-to-school with their kids?
If you’re not sure of how to discuss this issue, Samantha Westhouse, LLMSW Psychotherapist and maternal-infant health social work is a great choice for taking your child as the leader of the discussion. “Start off by saying, ‘I heard about this thing called back-to-school necklaces–do you know anything about that?'” she suggests. “I believe that having a conversation open will always be helpful. It’s important to not be judgmental so that your child can freely express their feelings. Making the effort to take a look will go a long way. “Parents must feel confident to speak to them about their mental health generally,” explains Emily Cavaleri. LLMSW who is a school social worker as well as a the child as well as parent therapist. In relation to the back-to-school conversation she says “Share your own personal experiences about the way you felt when you started the school year each year, particularly in the case of fears of going to school when you were a kid. Tell them that you’ll help them work through any issues or give professional assistance if needed. Sometimes the struggles seem insurmountable for kids. In the end, the CDC has disclosed, “More than 1 out of three students in high school had constant feelings of despair or sadness in 2019, which was a 40 percent increase over the year 2009. “I think it could be a combination of what socialization has looked like the last two years on top of the age,” Westhouse adds. “If we look back today, 13-year-olds were ten at the time we all were under lockdown. They were attending school on the internet and having a hard time with regular sports, clubs and socializing. Add mass school shootings , and the things we’ve seen throughout the past couple of years. All of it has an impression.
What are some signs of warning parents need to be looking out for?
“If someone is using this phrase, there is a high chance that they are struggling with their mental health,” Cavaleri suggests. “Whether the child you love is considering suicide or uses this as a cry for help, the signs are likely to be having a difficult time with their own thoughts, being withdrawing, having a temper frequently crying, crying easily sleepy more than usual or having difficulty sleeping, losing enthusiasm for things they used to like and donating their possessions and generally an alteration in their behavior.
What should students know about using or hearing the phrase “back-to-school-necklace” with friends?
“Students should know that using this phrase is very serious,” Cavaleri warns. “Joking about hurting your self, especially murdering yourself isn’t a good idea. If they’re experiencing these thoughts it is best to not feel embarrassed and seek assistance. If they notice their friends use the phrase, they must inform an adult, regardless of whether they are told not to.Westhouse is in agreement, saying it doesn’t matter if your kid teenager is quick to dismiss it the issue, they must be aware “that this is serious, even when they believe it’s just an innocent joke. I’d like to encourage you to inform your child about the issue and if you notice your acquaintances using the phrase to make it clear to school personnel.