How teachers and parents can work together in the school context

Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds*. A significant portion of the people from this age range spend their time at school or university, which highlights the importance of championing suicide prevention and awareness for this demographic. Youth are especially at risk, due to external pressures such as academic, social or peer pressure, often exacerbated by constant exposure to social media in daily life.  

To safeguard youth, teachers can establish that they are available for students (either by reaching out via email or by checking in physically) if they are struggling, or they might implement courses into the curriculum that give information on mental health struggles and how these can be navigated. Through these courses, students can also be taught the importance of advocating for a kind and non-judgemental school climate, and of normalising conversations about suicide and mental health difficulties.  

Parents, on the other hand, can be informed on the necessities of encouraging family activities and relaxation, in order to forge a healthy study-life balance and alleviate stress. 

Education on how to recognise and respond to students who are experiencing distress or who are at risk of suicide might include: 

1. Signposting data or statistics relevant to the district or school area about prevalence of local suicides;
2. Informing on risk factors that suggest a higher likelihood an individual might consider or attempt suicide, such as a history of suicide or mood disorders in the family
3. Warning signs or characteristics that might indicate a child is in immediate need of help, such as overtly or frequently taking about suicide or being unhappy

Subsequently, school staff must be taught how to adequately assess, refer and follow up with students who have previously been identified as at risk, to ensure that students can build a stable support network and receive timely treatment and interventions.  

Ultimately, communication and connectedness are critical to facilitating easy access to support, counselling and therapy.  These values can be honed through promoting supportive relationships and instilling a sense of belonging and community within the school, so as to prevent the formation of suicide ideation and intent. 

Written by Lucy Skrine, a Research Volunteer for #OneIsTooMany2023, and edited by KELY staff members.

*World Health Organisation – Suicide. Accessed 10 Sep 2023.