Teachers play an especially important part in prevention, because they spend so much time with their students. Along with holding parent-teacher meetings to discuss teenage suicide prevention, teachers can form referral networks with mental health professionals. They can increase student awareness by introducing the topic in health classes. Students should learn how to identify those at risk of suicide, how to intervene with good listening and communication skills, and where to turn for help. (http://www.ericdigests.org/pre-923/teenage.htm)




    Suicide awareness training provides teachers with a procedure that they can utilize when they are presented with suicidal statements or concerns. Because this training provides specific intervention tools and an understanding of the educator's role, it empowers teachers to respond to students' needs in an appropriate and effective manner. The tools that are provided in this type of training also help teachers to manage feelings of anxiety and fear, which are often manifested in these types of encounters.

    Training also reinforces teachers' natural strengths as good listeners and caring/competent professionals. Teachers are helped to understand that it is good professional practice to seek out other professionals as resources while helping the student to access appropriate intervention services in a timely manner.
http://www.teachervision.fen.com/education-and-social-issues/mental-health/57089.html

Understanding Teen Suicide

The Cyber Bullying Connection



Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers

If you are a teen considering suicide or know someone considering suicide, ASK FOR HELP.  Not asking for help is ignoring the problem.  Call the following hotlines to talk to someone CONFIDENTIALLY:

1-800-SUI-CIDE (1-800-784-2433)

1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)

1-800-799-4889 (for students who are hearing impaired)

1-800-628-9454 (en Español)

• This is a true story of suicide hitting close to home. It shows how it affects people around the victim and what some warning signs are. It also shows how much sports affect student's mentalities.

• This is an informative PowerPoint on Adolescent Suicide. This should help teachers deal with students that may be at risk for suicide and this can also help parents with at risk adolescents.