More choices in more places is the best way

Frontiersman editorial board

Carry the Cure, a program designed to reduce teen suicide, has been the source of debate in the Mat-Su School District for some time, and last week the district decided not to allow the program into Valley schools.

In early debates, the focus was largely upon the inclusion in presentations of references to religious functions students could attend. Carry the Cure officials removed those references, but the program was still rejected. The most recent objection is because district representatives feel the message may actually glorify or romanticize the notion of suicide. Carry the Cure people say they will consider the district's position and they may attempt to have their program included in the district in the future.

What hasn't been much discussed is the fact that the district already has an anti-suicide program in place. While is true that teens should have access to a variety of programs to help them in difficult times, it may not be effective to have several programs offered by the school district. U.S. schools have taken on an increasingly active role in our children's lives in recent decades. From before-school programs to after-school programs to increased counseling and even increased screening for behavioral problems, the schools have been asked to fill gaps that have been vacated by parents, government and other community organizations. In this case, perhaps one anti-suicide program in the schools is enough.

Still, the community should be concerned about the prevalence of teen depression and suicide in the Valley. There is a place for Carry the Cure and for other programs that can help our children through the toughest years. The question is, who is responsible? There are already programs out there that can benefit kids. Places like the Boys and Girls Club and activities such as clubs and organizations for young people are all part of a system that can help teens. Churches and families are also critical -- and the greatest emphasis should be placed on families, rather than on the schools.

It's up to parents to seek out the programs and organizations that can best benefit their children and to make every effort to get the kids involved. Yes, we should have more choices, but we should also spread those choices out across the entire community framework. Our kids happiness is a team effort.