Florida School Toolkit for K-12 Educators to Prevent Suicide

Tool 29 Suicide Prevention Information to Post on School District Website The School District recognizes that suicide is the second-leading cause of death for school age students 10–19 nationally, and we are dedicated to working with parents, community and state agencies to prevent youth suicide. The suicide of a youth is largely the result of untreated or undertreated metal illness, and we as a district have developed plans for suicide prevention and intervention. If you are a student and concerned about your friend or are a parent concerned about your child, then the key person to contact in our district for assistance is , who can be reached at . If they cannot be reached immediately, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-SUICIDE or 800-273-TALK. Trained crisis responders are available 24 hours a day. Do not leave a suicidal person alone. If a suicide attempt has been made, immediately contact 911. If you believe your child or your friend is suicidal, please take every precaution and get immediate help. If you are a student concerned about a friend, it is very important to get a trusted adult involved immediately. If you are a parent concerned about your child, then obtain professional help for your child, increase your supervision, and reduce their access to any lethal objects or subtances. Many people are hesitant to ask directly about suicide for fear that they will be planting the idea in the mind of the person. Asking them directly about thoughts of suicide provides them an opportunity to unburden themselves and to receive the support and services they need. Please immediately contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-SUICIDE or 800-273-TALK as trained crisis responders are available 24 hours a day. It is vital that all school staff members, students’ parents, and community members know the warning signs of suicide, which are outlined in Tool 31, and should be posted on each district’s website. 105