I’m 12 and I want to run away with a friend.

[Guest]

Hello, i’m 12 and I was thinking about running away with a friend. I have wanted to runaway for a while now because of family issues and mental health but i’m not sure if its a good idea. The friend I want to run away with (kenny) also wants to run away, we have the same family issues. We both have verbally/emotionally abusive parents and are struggling with suicidal thoughts & mental health. We both decided it would be a good idea to meet up, and go to one of his friends how and stay their. Kennys friend is 17 years old, he said he has known them for a while and that they wouldn’t hurt us or anything. He said that his friend is going to let us stay with them if we run away. They are willing to provide us a safe space to stay. I’m just not sure if this is a good idea. I am going to have to throw away my life for this, I am fine with leaving my family they haven’t ever treat ne good but it’s still hard, y’know? We both saved a bunch of money and will be able to buy food, and everything. I want someone to tell me all the risks this could have, and advice if I do it. Like things to bring/not bring, and things to not do. I also want someone to tell me if this is a good idea. I know with being a minor that my parents can file a run away report, I just don’t want to be taken back home and then have my parents be mad at me and not let me leave the house again. What are your thoughts?

[ccsmod2]

Thanks for contacting us at NRS and sharing with us what is happening at the moment. I am really sorry to hear you and your friend have verbally/emotionally abuse parents, you both deserve to be in a safe and loving home that supports your mental health. You mentioned you are both having suicidal thoughts and that is of great concern to us, we want you to know that your life has worth and there are people who can help you.




It is really important to us that you stay safe; it might help to speak to someone at the National Suicide Helpline on 1-800-273-825 or go to their website https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ for more resources. There are people who can support you and Kenny as well as help you find a way to cope with these thoughts. We know how low you must be feeling but please know there are people who care about you. It’s helpful to remember that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary situation. You can also speak to someone here at NRS, we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on our helpline: 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) or on our chat: https://www.1800runaway.org/.




If you feel unsafe you can call 911 or any emergency services at any time. If you feel you are in an abusive situation you can call a child abuse hotline such as Child Help USA on 1-800-422-4453 or go online: www.childhelp.org who can help support you. You can also make a report to Child Protective Services (this is the state authorities responsible for keeping children safe) - Child Help can help talk to you about this and what it means. NRS can also help you with calling Child Protective Services if you want to make a report. We are not too sure about your school situation but this is another option, you could talk to someone at school and they could also support you.




You are quite right that if you runaway your parents can file a report and the police can bring you back home. The main risk in you plan is whether staying with Kenny’s friend is a better option that staying at home. As we mentioned before your safety is really important to us and we do not want anyone to harm you. Although Kenny trusts this person it is very risky to stay with someone you do not know. I know you have saved up a bunch of money but at some point this will run out, then you might find yourself in a very dangerous situation where you are trying to make or find more money to survive. There is also the possibility that Kenny changes his mind and you end up living on the streets.




If you do decide to stay with Kenny’s friend then we would advise making sure that someone you trust knows where you are, if there isn’t anyone in your family then perhaps let someone at school know or a neighbor. If at any stage you feel you are in any danger or feel unsafe then you can call 911 immediately.




Please remember we are always here to support you, it might be easier for us to help you with your options on the phone, it is free to call us from any phone or speak to us via the chat: 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) or on our chat: https://www.1800runaway.org/.




NRS