When children talk about death or a wish to die, or hurt themselves—when they engage in suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs)—school adults often feel scared.  They may feel they don’t have adequate training to guide their response. This can lead educators to react in unhelpful or even harmful ways, such as minimizing or ignoring the child’s support needs. This resource provides critical knowledge and resources to help schools recognize and assess the warning signs of STBs, and to respond in ways that keep children as safe as possible.   

What’s inside the guide?

• Guidance on what language to use with young children experiencing STBs
• Myths and facts about STBs in children and early adolescents
• Risk factors and warning signs
• Identification and referral strategies
• Appropriate educator and school responses to STBs

Who is this guide for?

• Elementary school educators
• School leaders and administrators 
• School mental health personnel