The suicide rate in the general population, however, remained stable and constant. Locally and nationally, the majority of all suicides in each age bracket were male. Some experts in the Youth Psychology field believe that the increase is due to several factors. In general, they have said, today's youngsters are subjected to more stress than ever before, stress from family and parents, peers and school, as well as society overall. Add to this the fact that many are equipped with fewer inner coping skills to handle these things.
School is a perfect example.
Today, students have to deal with gang violence, weapons, drugs and higher expectations to do well in order to succeed in life as they get older. Twenty five years ago, when I was Frances' age, the concept of bringing a gun to school, let alone illegal drugs, was a thought that never entered my head. Today, kids spend more time home alone with TVs, computers and stereos than ever before. Also, handguns are more readily available today than in decades past, either in the home or on the street. The following are just a few examples of cases listed.