Suicide Prevention Suicide Prevention in the Schools:in the Schools:

Our Role as EducatorsOur Role as Educators

September 2011September 2011

Scope of the Problem Scope of the Problem

Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 12-24 year olds

In the United States approximately 5 students ages 10-19 die by suicide every day

For every student that dies by suicide, it is estimated that 100-200 make attempts and thousands have suicidal thoughts

In 2009, 13.8% of high school students seriously considered attempting suicide – Of those, 6.3 % attempted suicide

Schools’ Role in Schools’ Role in PreventionPrevention

Educators’ Role in Educators’ Role in PreventionPrevention

Educational system is uniquely positioned to play key role in prevention

Staff have an ethical responsibility to keep students safe

Teachers and school personnel are critical in identifying, monitoring, and reporting suicidal behavior

School District LiabilitySchool District Liability

Under certain conditions, parents have sued school employees/districts when a student dies by suicide with negligence and foreseeability stated as reasons.

Examples: failing to safely monitor suicidal student, failing to notify parents, failing to help a suicidal student, and failing to have procedures in place

Precipitating Precipitating EventsEvents

Social isolation Severe arguments with parents Relationship break up Humiliation Loss

Warning SignsWarning Signs

Previous suicide attempts Suicide planning

More detailed planning = greater risk Prior suicidal behavior (ideation, threats) Preoccupation with death Making final arrangements Giving away belongings Changes in behavior, appearance,

thoughts, or feelings

Common Issues Among Common Issues Among Suicidal Students Suicidal Students

Behavior Changes– Can’t think clearly or get control– Can’t make decisions– Can’t get out of depression– Can’t sleep, eat or work

Statements– Can’t stop the pain– Can’t see any way out– Can’t make the sadness go away– Can’t see a future without pain– Can’t see themselves as worthwhile

Dear Abby:Dear Abby:

I have been an educator for almost 30 years, 20 having been spent as a middle school teacher. I have often been the confidante for troubled teens. This is what I learned, never, ever promise not to tell. When asked to keep a secret, I always reply, ‘I can see that you are troubled, and I am here to help you if I can. But I can’t promise not to tell.’ Abby, I have never had a teenager walk away. They’ve always chosen to go ahead and share their problem with me. I am then free to use my judgment about how best to serve the student’s best interest.

“…“…Staff members Staff members shouldshould

Inquire directly and ask whether students who give…clues are thinking of harming or killing themselves. A staff member needs to give a clear message: ‘ I am here to help you and I care about you.’ School staff members may be very concerned that they might say the wrong thing. They need to let the basic helping desire that brought them into education in the first place guide their inquiry. They need to act from the heart and show concern, and must not dismiss or minimize the suffering [their students] are experiencing.”– S. Poland, 1989

Educators’ Educators’ ResponsibilitiesResponsibilities

Detect suicidal students– Increase supervision/monitoring of student– Limit student access to self-destructive

objects Refer to appropriate school personnel

– Inform counselor immediately and verbally– If counselor is unavailable, notify another

school employee (administrator, lead counselor, etc.) immediately and verbally

– Do not e-mail sensitive information Document event

– Date, time, student behavior, exact student words, action taken

A Team ApproachA Team Approach

Detection/Awareness– All school personnel

Risk Assessment– Counselor, School Psychologist, Youth Service Specialist– Document risk assessment and recommendations

Parent Notification and Recommendations– Counselor and/or other team member involves parents/guardian

immediately or same day– If parents/guardian required to come to school, Emergency

Notification Form should be signed and copied for school and parent/guardian

– Recommendations should be provided in written form and given to parents/guardian same day

Referral and Follow-up– Counselor, School Psychologist, and/or Youth Service Specialist

may help with referring student/family to outside agencies as necessary

– Team member should follow up with student the next day of attendance and student should continue to be monitored

Suicide is PreventableSuicide is Preventable

Prevention Resources Prevention Resources

American Association of Suicidology at (202) 237-2280 or www.suicidology.org

Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Foundation at www.yellowribbon.org

The Americans for Suicide Prevention at www.afsp.org

Suicide Prevention Awareness Network at www.spanusa.org

American Psychological Association http://www.apa.org/topics/suicide/index.aspx

National Association of School Psychologists http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/suicideprevention.aspx

ReferencesReferences

American Association of Suicidology Centers for Disease Control Joiner, T. (2010). Myths about Suicide.

Harvard University Press. Miller, D. (2011). Child and adolescent

suicidal behavior: school-based prevention, assessment, and intervention. New York: Guilford Press.

Poland, S. (1989). Suicide intervention in the schools. New York: Guilford Press.