Student Training

Help you better recognize students who may be at risk

Provide an effective initial response to these students

Clarify what you can do to further help a classmate you’re concerned about

Today’s Objectives

Why do we need to do this?• HB 51 – Requires every middle and high school to disseminate suicide prevention awareness information to all middle and high school students by September 1 of EACH year.http://www.lrc.ky.gov/record/10RS/HB51.htm • Also part of Meade County Schools Board policy.

Violent Deaths WorldwideWhich do you think?

Violent Deaths Worldwide

6

6

Youth Suicide Rates by Age (Ages 8-24)

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 240

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

U.S. Suicide Rates for 2006

Age

Suic

ide

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Second-leading cause of death in Kentucky

Almost 7% of high school students report making a suicide attempt – about 1 in 13

15% in KY report seriously considered suicide within the last 12 months – about 1 in 7

Why Talk about Youth Suicide?

Every 2 hours and 11 minutes, a person under the age of 25 dies by suicide.

Every day, there are approximately 11 youth suicides

That’s over 4000 kids a year!

In Simpler Numbers …

Recognize warning signs Provide an effective initial

response to classmates you’re concerned about

Know where to go for additional assistance

Your Role in Suicide Prevention

Know the FACTS!

Your Role as Students

What to Do about Warning Signs1) Show you care

• Listen without judging or giving advice.

• Take all talk of suicide seriously.

• Stay calm. • Stay with your friend.

What to Do about Warning Signs2) Ask about suicide:

• Ask directly-

“Are you thinking about suicide/hurting yourself?”

“Are you wishing you were dead?”

What to Do about Warning Signs3) Get Help:

• Take action sooner than later• Have your friend identify an

adult at school that they can talk to and go with them to that adult

• If your friend resists, go to a trusted adult yourself

Krista