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How parents can best help their kids after Wendell Middle School student took his own life

From Tuesday through Friday on WRAL News at 7 p.m., WRAL News anchor/reporter Dan Haggerty will share conversations he's had with kids, parents, medical professionals and mental health workers about how parents can best help their kids.

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By
Dan Haggerty
, WRAL anchor/reporter
RALEIGH, N.C. — Family members, friends and the community are still mourning the loss of a 13-year-old Wendell Middle School student who took his own life last week.
Austin Pendergrass' family told WRAL News they believe bullying contributed to his suicide on Sept. 6 at Wendell Middle School. Pendergrass' family said that he was bullied, and they felt alone in their fight to address it.

From Tuesday through Friday on WRAL News at 7 p.m., WRAL News anchor/reporter Dan Haggerty will share conversations he’s had with kids, parents, medical professionals and mental health workers about how parents can best help their kids.

Several people have agreed to take part in the conversations, including:

Tiffany Benoit and her daughter Arianna Mindel-Benoit: Tiffany has been trying to get Arianna into therapy, but her appointment is months away
Nina Leger: National Alliance on Mental Illness director of programs and affiliate support
Dr. Courtney L. McMickens: Assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Duke University
Dr. Micah Krempasky: Psychiatrist and WakeMed’s chief medical officer for mental health and well-being
Tiffany Gladney: Policy director with NC Child
Latishea McAuley: Mother of an 18-year-old girl who took her own life in 2020
Surena Johnson: A Wake County Public School System parent who works with other parents in her role at Education Justice Alliance NC
Tinaya Gray: A Wake County Public School System parent who has experience navigating mental health concerns with her children

‘Pandemic Generation’ WRAL documentary

A lasting issue from the pandemic is the impact on kids. It’s an issue WRAL News has covered for months.

The WRAL Documentary unit set out to investigate the pandemic’s lasting impact on kids’ mental health.

In April, “Pandemic Generation” aired. It featured honest and heartbreaking conversations with young people about anxiety, depression and their overall mental health struggles.

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