According to an article in The Conversation today ‘suicide and self-harm remain taboo topics in schools, despite the fact youth suicide has reached a ten year high.’ Only yesterday a Principal of a primary school mentioned to us that a current priority was dealing with the ‘engagement’ of their Year 7 students in the news of the suicide of a local teenager. They were arranging counseling services, drafting communication to parents on the topic and arming teachers with strategies and talking points to ensure key messages were consistent and supportive.
Ask your school how they handle the discussion around suicide and self-harm. Do they encourage and equip all members of their community to know how to respond in safe and supportive ways? Are their prevention programs available to all students? How are they educating and empowering children, parents and staff to have the conversations that may save a life?
The Conversation, Talking about suicide and self-harm in schools can save lives
September 2017, – Honorary Postdoctoral Associate, Macquarie University
