September is Suicide Awareness Month. For parents and caregivers, awareness shouldn’t mean fear, it should mean connection, conversation, and paying attention. Canadian research shows youth suicide is complex, rarely has a single cause, and warning signs aren’t always obvious. Our latest article looks beyond alarming headlines to what the evidence tells us, why asking about suicide doesn’t cause it, and why the relationship we build with our kids may matter most.

Teen self-harm and suicide are topics most parents never want to imagine touching their family, but avoiding the conversation does not make the risk disappear. Warning signs are not always obvious, and even teens who appear happy and connected can struggle privately. This article looks beyond checklists to help parents recognize meaningful changes, ask difficult questions, listen without judgment, and know when and where to seek professional help.

The claim that screen time directly causes teen suicide is false; global data shows teen suicide rates are declining, and the issue is multifactorial.

Haidt's book simplifies youth mental health to phones/social media, but evidence shows it's a complex issue needing nuanced, research-based solutions.

Online sextortion, often targeting teen boys, uses tactics like threats, grooming, deepfakes, and AI to extort nudes or money—urgent awareness is vital.

Keep tech out of bedrooms—improves sleep, safety, and mental health; reduces risks of predation, distraction, and late-night device overuse.