As summer draws to an end it’s common to talk about Back to School Necklace activities in general. Shopping is one of the activities that we hear about during this time of year. After all, visiting the market to purchase new school clothing and accessories is fun for parents and kids alike.
If you’re hearing students talking about their back-to-school jewelry It’s crucial to remember that they’re talking about the latest, adorable necklace. Instead, it’s a tense phrase (that may not seem scary at first glance) you’ll encounter in conversation or in social networks. What exactly is a back-to school necklace?
What’s what is a “Back to School Necklace”?
In the Urban Dictionary, a Back to School Necklace is described as “another name for a noose. This is due to the utter despair you feel when school starts back up again.”
A few examples of its usage 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.
It’s true that a back-to-school necklace seems innocent enough for people who are unaware of its true significance, it’s in reality a call for help, since it’s the code for hanging to death.
Once parents are informed about this concept, they’ll be better placed to aid.
What should parents discuss about the latest trending necklace for back-to-school with their kids?
If you’re not sure of how to tackle this, Samantha Westhouse, LLMSW Psychotherapist and maternal-infant social worker suggests taking your child as the leader of the discussion. “Start off by saying, ‘I heard about this thing called Back to School Necklace do you know anything about that?'” she suggests. “I think an open conversation is always beneficial. It’s always important to refrain from judgment so your child feels comfortable sharing how they are feeling.”
Making the effort to make a point of checking in will go a long way. “Parents should feel empowered to talk to their children about mental health in general,” says Emily Cavaleri, LLMSW who is a school social worker as well as a therapy for children and families. In relation to back to school discussions, she says, “Share personal stories about how you felt starting school each year, especially if you had feelings of dread when you were a child. Let them know you will help them work through any feelings or get them professional help if needed.”
What is the reason there is so much anxiety as students get ready for the start of the school year?
There is a certain amount of anxiety since students have to adjust to a new routine after summer. “Returning to school can feel overwhelming for a variety of reasons,” Cavaleri says. “Some students struggle with thoughts of a new school, a new teacher, a new schedule, etc. Students are going from sleeping in and a relaxed schedule, to early mornings and busy days.”
Sometimes, these challenges appear to be insurmountable for students. In the end, as the CDC has found that “More than 1 in 3 high school students had experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in 2019, a 40 percent increase since 2009.”
“I think it could be a combination of what socialization has looked like the last two years on top of the age,” Westhouse elaborates. “If we consider it the present, 13-year-olds were in their 10th year in the year we found ourselves locked down. They were going to 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 in the world of today over the past few years. All of it has an impression.
What are the warning signs parents need to be aware of?
“If someone is using this phrase, there is a high chance that they are struggling with their mental health,” Cavaleri states. “Whether you child considering suicide or uses this as a need for help, indicators you can observe includebeing alone for a long time or withdrawn, having a tendency to be irritable or crying frequently sleepy more than normal and having trouble sleeping, a loss of enthusiasm for things they once enjoyed or giving possessions away, and generally changes in behavior.
If you’ve not seen your child using this expression, it could be a phrase that they use on their smartphones, Cavaleri points out. “They may use it via text or social media platforms,” she states. “Parents should be aware of their children’s electronic use. Students of any age may be using this phrase and having these feelings, so look for signs in your children, from young children to adolescent age.”
