High Tech Tool May Help Prevent Teen Suicides
GARLAND (CBSDFW.COM) – Parents of a teen girl who committed suicide last Christmas have found a high tech solution to help prevent other deaths.
"It's left a void in our lives," said Dave Walker.
His daughter, Sadie, 14, killed herself last Christmas. Her parents said she never showed any signs of depression or trouble. She opened gifts Christmas morning and spent time with her siblings and parents.
But at one point she went outside and never returned.
"She goes out and I don't see her again. It's devastating," said her mother Norma.
It wasn't until after Sadie's death that her parents discovered she was secretly using social media to communicate with others about suicide. Her parents believe those conversation led to dangerous influences from others that resulted in her death.
It was this realization that led the couple to a smart phone app called My Mobile Watchdog. The app allows parents to see who their children are talking to and what about among other things, according to Dave Walker. It also allows them to restrict their social media usage.
The Walkers are now reaching out to other parents to teach them about the tool that keeps tabs on children.
The Walkers said they hope their message to parents resonates so they can spare another family from experiencing the loss of a child to suicide.
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