A Cry for Help!

A recent survey of college students at two Ivy League schools revealed that 1 in 5 students are practicing self-mutilation. The students cut, or burn themselves. It's a growing and disturbing trend that should serve as a huge wake-up call for parents, grandparents and anyone working with students.

Emerging generations are hurting so bad that they resort to self-inflicted wounds to fit in, or to gain attention. Others state it's a way for them to relieve stress, or put a visible face on deep-seeded emotional pain. In my college days parents worried more about heavy drinking at parties, sexual promiscuity, cigarettes and rock concerts. No, these weren't good either, but it was a far cry from cutting yourself.

And before you say, "consider the source," remember that we're talking about students at Princeton and Cornell. Two schools whose annual tuition is probably more than my annual salary. Aside from scholarships, many of these students are from places long reserved for families high on the socioeconomic ladder. So don't say it's all those children from single parent families or homes of lesser means. The fear of trickle down is already being realized as counselors report similar incidents in high school and middle schools!

The study found 400 websites devoted to self-mutilation and many of them encourage the practice. So much for days when you worried about your kid entering a chat room without your knowledge. In comparison that's small potatoes. One 20-year old student admitted that she started cutting herself when she was 16. She said it, "helps socially isolated kids feel as though they belong." Researchers acknowledge that students as young as grade school have admitted to the secretive behavior.

OK, youth ministers, parents, coaches, grandparents and teachers, let's be on the lookout for marginalized or stressed-out students. Let's do our best to listen to all of our kids, even if they express views with which we strongly disagree. Spend time with them and communicate. Let's develop a "safe culture" where kids are affirmed and we help them develop a healthy God image. We should continually remind them that they have been fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139), and bought with a precious price (John 3:16). They are worth immeasurable amounts to our families, churches, schools, communities and God! We need to let them know they are precious and are very valuable to all of us, but especially to God. It may not stop the cutting practice in dramatic numbers, but if it changes one student, it will affect many others. Just as they did in the 70's when I was in school (yeah I'm that old), students desperately want to be loved, affirmed and valued. Let's make sure we aren't giving them reasons (valid or not) to hurt themselves. Let's do the Jesus thing and Love People!