700 Children's® – A Blog by Pediatric Experts

Posts by John Ackerman, PhD

Posted by: Lorena V. Asadi, LISW-S , John Ackerman, PhD on May 15, 2025

LGBTQ+ youth deserve safe spaces and supportive relationships that empower them to thrive. Learn how advocacy, acceptance, and access to vital resources can make a life-saving difference.

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Myths About Suicide: Moving Beyond Common Misconceptions

When it comes to suicide, there’s a lot of competing information that makes it hard to tell myth from fact. But knowing the facts may allow us to take life-saving steps to help our children.

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Blog

Talking to Your Kids About Depression and Suicide
Talking to your child about suicide may be the toughest conversation you ever have, but it may also be the most important.

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About this Blog

Pediatric News You Can Use From America’s Largest Pediatric Hospital and Research Center

700 Children’s® features the most current pediatric health care information and research from our pediatric experts – physicians and specialists who have seen it all. Many of them are parents and bring a special understanding to what our patients and families experience. If you have a child – or care for a child – 700 Children’s was created especially for you.

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Latest Posts

Suicide Protocols

Warning Signs of Suicide on Social Media: What You Can Do When It’s Someone You Know

Feb 29, 2024

People are spending more time on social media than ever. Most posts are harmless depictions of life in general; status updates, pictures of friends or food, or even a joke. However, sometimes people discuss personal topics and show signs that things are not going well. Read More

Child sitting at desk with teacher

ADHD and Youth Suicide: Is There a Link?

Feb 26, 2024

Unfortunately, children with ADHD are at an increased risk of experiencing depression and suicidal thoughts or behaviors throughout their lifetime, which suggests emotional and social factors should be a focus of care for these children. Read More

13 Reasons Why: Should Parents Be Concerned About This Netflix Series?

Feb 23, 2024

The mini-series 13 Reasons Why (13RW), adapted from a young adult novel, was released on Netflix this past week. 13RW relays the fictional story of a high schooler, Hannah Baker, who has died by suicide before the story even begins. Read More

a father talking to his son about suicide

Suicide: The Conversation We Should Have With Our Kids

Feb 22, 2024

One of the best things we can do is give our young people the power to talk about mental health issues and topics as challenging as suicide without shutting the door. Even if your child is doing well, this is a powerful opportunity to help your child see it is okay to be emotionally open and could help them talk openly with friends. Read More

Bullies

Bullying Affects Everyone Involved – Even the Bullies

Feb 22, 2024

While steps are rightfully taken to support the child who was bullied, the bully’s behavior is usually met with anger and punishment. However, the presence of bullying behaviors may actually be a sign that help is needed. Read More

imgage of a mother and son talking

Your Child Has Talked About Ending Their Life: What's Next?

Feb 21, 2024

Talking to your child about suicide may be the toughest and most uncomfortable conversation you ever have, but it may also be the most important. Listening makes your child more comfortable about sharing thoughts and feelings that are upsetting and deeply personal. Read More

Two kids sitting and hugging each other from the side

Don't Say It's Selfish: Suicide Is Not a Choice

Feb 15, 2024

More than ever before, people understand that caring for our mental health is as important as caring for our physical health. However, there is still much work that needs to be done to break stigmas that contribute to unnecessary shame and misunderstanding of mental illness. Read More

girl sitting on bench

Facebook’s Safety Initiative Helps Prevent Suicide

Feb 13, 2024

Facebook has been collaborating with suicide prevention organizations for more than a decade to identify users at risk for suicide and to provide them with crisis resources. Read More