Threat to cause self-harm. The child expressed it.
1. Calmly let your child know you are concerned because KIDAS notified you that they had said something about harming themselves during gaming.
2. Ask your child if they’re ok, and find out whether it’s true that they’re thinking about hurting themselves. If it’s true, tell your child you care about them and would never want them to hurt themselves.
See article on keeping your child safe when they have suicidal ideation https://www.preventyouthsuicide.org/resources, and get help immediately at a hospital Emergency Department or local crisis center. Your pediatrician can advise you about where to go. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). There is more information on here.
3. It’s possible that your child said something about self-harm as a joke, or out of anger or frustration. This is not uncommon, as emotions can be intense during video game play.
4. Calmly assess the situation. Check in again after an hour–how are they feeling now?
5. Share some alternative phrases you would like your child to use when they get angry in their game (or if they used self-harm language as a joke). Explain that talking about self-harm is upsetting to other kids and to you as a parent who loves them.
6. If your child is often very upset by this game, explore whether they should look for different games to play that would be less frustrating. Also work with them on ways to keep things in perspective and to stay calm when frustrated.
Recommendations written by: Kidas Experts