Suicide Prevention

1. How common are thoughts of suicide among children and teens?
Many young people experience periods of intense sadness, hopelessness, or emotional distress. While not all students who struggle with mental health have thoughts of suicide, it is important to take any expression of hopelessness or self-harm seriously. Early support and open communication can make a significant difference.

2. What are warning signs that a child or teen may need immediate support?
Warning signs may include talking about wanting to die or feeling hopeless, withdrawing from friends and activities, significant mood changes, giving away important belongings, changes in sleep or appetite, or engaging in risky behavior. If a child expresses thoughts about harming themselves, it is important to seek help right away.

3. How should I respond if my child says they are thinking about suicide?
Stay calm, listen without judgment, and take their words seriously. Let them know you are glad they told you and that help is available. Do not leave them alone if you believe they are at immediate risk and call 911. Contact a mental health professional, your child’s healthcare provider, or call/text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, for immediate guidance.

4. Does talking about suicide make it more likely to happen?
No. Research shows that asking directly and calmly about suicidal thoughts does not increase risk. In fact, open conversations can reduce isolation and help children feel supported and understood.

5. What supports does the school provide for suicide prevention?
Schools support prevention through social-emotional learning, mental health education, trained counseling staff, and clear crisis response protocols. When concerns arise, schools partner closely with families to connect students with appropriate resources and ensure their safety and well-being.

• NJ Children's System of Care (CSOC)
  1-877-652-7624
  24 hours a day - 7 days a week
  PerformCare helps families access publicly-funded services for New Jersey children with behavioral, emotional, intellectual, developmental, and/or substance use challenges.
  PerformCare has been connecting families to services funded by the NJ Division of Children's System of Care since 2009.
• Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide (SPTS)
• Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide - Navigating Back to School
• Not My Kid: What Every Parent Should Know
• Survivors of Suicide
• KidsHealth
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
• National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) - COVID-19: Family & Educator Resources
• https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention
• https://youth.gov/youth-topics/youth-suicide-prevention  
• NJ Department of Children and Families Suicide Prevention
• New Jersey Children's System of Care (CSOC)– 1-877-652-7624 The New Jersey Children's System of Care (CSOC), formerly the Division of Child Behavioral Health Services, serves children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral health care challenges and their families; children with developmental and intellectual disabilities and their families; and, children with substance use challenges and their families.  CSOC is committed to providing services based on the needs of the child and family in a family-centered, community-based environment.​