The Teacher’s Role in Suicide Prevention

By Megan Hazelwood

Teachers may play a more important role in suicide prevention than the parents themselves.

     Lack of parental interest may be a problem. Many children grow up in divorced households; for others, both of their parents work and their families spend limited time together. According to one study 90 percent of suicidal teen-agers believed their families did not understand them. (However, this is such a common teen-age complaint that other factors are playing a role, too.) Young people also reported that when they tried to tell their parents about their feelings of unhappiness or failure, their mother and father denied or ignored their point of view. School staff cannot assume that a young person’s family will take positive steps to respond to these problems. Schools may be the last positive social connections for students from dysfunctional families.

 

Use Your School's Support System

     School districts typically have crisis policies for working with suicidal or violent students, students who are at risk of suicide or violence, or other youngsters who are not in this acute state of crisis but still need support to stay in school and stay healthy. Familiarize yourself with these policies and programs and use them when appropriate. If your school doesn't have such a policy in place you have the power to create one!

 
Photo: Jason Meredith. Used in accordance with license at http://everystockphoto.com/photo.php?imageId=73942

Ask Questions!

     Do not be afraid to ask a student if he or she has considered suicide or other self-destructive acts. Research has shown that asking someone if he or she has contemplated self-harm or suicide will not increase that person's risk. Rather, studies have shown that a person in mental distress is often relieved that someone cares enough to inquire about the person's well-being. Your concern can counter the person's sense of hopelessness and helplessness. However, you need to be prepared to ask some very specific and difficult questions in a manner that doesn't judge or threaten the young person you are attempting to help. For example:

• I've noticed that you are going through some rough times. Do you ever wish you could go to sleep and never wake up?
• Sometimes when people feel sad, they have thoughts of harming or killing themselves. Have you had such thoughts?
• Are you thinking about killing yourself?

 

What to do when a student opens up

     If a troubled student opens up to you about self-destructive thoughts or actions, contact that student's parents or legal guardian. Do not promise confidentiality to a child when it comes to issues regarding the child's safety-but always talk privately with a student before letting others know of your concerns for the student's safety. If you believe that contacting the parents or guardians may further endanger the child (if, for example, you suspect physical or sexual abuse), contact the proper authorities. In most states, teachers are "mandated reporters" and are required to report suspected child abuse.