KTVB Student News: Alarmingly high suicide rates in Lewis Clark Valley [Video]

The Lewis Clark Valley, nestled amidst Idaho’s panhandle and Washington’s scenic southeast, boasts breathtaking landscapes and a close-knit, compassionate community. However, beneath this picturesque setting lies a pressing challenge—alarmingly high suicide rates.

The recent rise in mental health struggles is striking younger age groups, starting as early as age 10. The pressures of school, social media, and a fast-paced world are hitting teens harder than ever.

“In my world, with suicide prevention, social media is the biggest contributing factor that results in potential negative behaviors, to include suicidal behavior, ” said Suicide Prevention Officer Craig Hannum.

“Being bullied on social media, in my experience, is far more impactful than face-to-face. When I was in high school, we got bullied just during the school day. Now, it’s 24/7.”

Schools, communities and families are beginning to …