Jordin Hall had enough. A bullied gay teen in the town of LaGrande, Oregon finally went to the playground and hung himself from a play structure last year. Eventually he was removed from life support.
Life support. It’s a term to ponder, especially for those who are the victims of bullying. In a way, that’s what the Lines for Life YouthLine offers teens: Life support.
Suicide is higher among Lesbian, Bi, Gay and Transgender (LBGT) youth than the general population. Although death certificates don’t list sexuality, it is estimated that gay youth attempt suicide at a rate four times higher than their heterosexual peers.
Bullying has become a national epidemic among all young people. The National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center suggests that one out of three children are bullied. Bullying can take many forms. Whether it’s in school, online, on the phone or through texting, bullying has intensified and is now pervasive in the lives of youth. It is a major stressor for youth that can impact school performance an may lead to long term health and emotional effects, including depression and suicide.
Our YouthLine is a free and confidential peer-to-peer crisis line for youth dealing with such issues as bullying, depression, anxiety, sexual identity, pregnancy, self-harm and substance abuse. The YouthLine offers texting an phone call support from teens, by teens who are available to listen and not judge.
You can offer life support by listening and taking bullying seriously. Teens can call or text the YouthLine after school from 4 pm to 10 pm Mondays through Fridays. 1 (877) 968-8491 or text teen2teen to 839863. The line is answered all other hours by adult volunteers.
Support life.