While no one in the academic community has advanced a good theory explaining why adolescents are killing themselves at such an alarming rate, we would surmise that there's a strong spiritual and philosophical dimension to this trend. To our way of thinking, the increase in adolescent suicide is, at least in part, an outgrowth of the secularization of modern society. It's an expression of the hopelessness, malaise, and desensitization to the value of life that seem to characterize so many members of the up-and-coming generation. It's part of the fallout of living in a world without purpose, without meaning, and without God.
What can be done about it? Fortunately, there are a number of strategies that can be implemented at the level of the local community. If you want to get involved, we suggest that you pull together a group of concerned friends who can find creative ways to raise public awareness of the problem. In many circles, suicide is a taboo subject—something we dare not talk about, since talking about suicide may have the unintended effect of encouraging suicide. This is a misconception. In actuality, the opposite is true: frank discussion and open airing of suicide-related fears, doubts and tensions is one of the best ways of preventing self-destructive behavior among young people.