Parents/Family Toolkit
Overview
Parents/family and students share a critical role as gatekeepers in youth suicide prevention. Parents/family want to know how to be the very best caregiver to their child. They want to know the factors that may put their child at risk for suicide and what to do and who to turn to for help. Students want information on suicide prevention and depression and they want to know how to help a friend they suspect might be thinking of hurting themselves. Should they keep their friends suicidal intentions a secret? Should they tell someone? Very often, parents and students turn to the schools for guidance, support and links to the critical resources in their community.
In the Parents/Family section, parents and family members will find a multitude of handouts and links that address:
- The role of the parent/family member in suicide prevention
- The emotional impact of a suicide attempt on families
- Links for resources in Spanish
- Tips for parents/family members if they think their child might be depressed
- Information of the use of medication in treating childhood and adolescent depression
- Tips on helping their child cope with loss, trauma, violence, natural disasters, bullying, and economic stress
- How to deal with the Internet and create Cyber-Safe Kids and Cyber-Savvy Teens
In the Students section, Students will find information, resources and links that address:
- The role of the student in suicide prevention
- Information for students on how to help themselves as well as their peers
Videos
Guidelines
Guidelines
The 4-part video training series is a resource to help your team provide SPORT Training for parents/family and caretakers. Additional videos on Tier 1 and Tier 2 supports for parents/family are available to grasp a basic understand and strategies for mental health and wellbeing.
Guidelines
Guidelines
Guidelines
The Suicide Prevention Intervention Guideline for Parents/Family are provided in multiple languages, and were developed to help parents intervene with suicidal or self-injurous youth.
Resources
Guidelines
Resources
A descriptive list of resources for suicide prevention, mental health, bullying, and media resources are shared with parents/family to support them with a critical role as gatekeepers in youth suicide prevention.
Parent/Family Resources
Parents play an important role in supporting their child. During adolescence, children begin to share less with their parents and teachers, and confide in their peers about problems they face. It is important that parents are aware of risk and protective factors regarding suicide.
If you believe your child is experiencing thoughts of suicide, it is important to address the issue directly:
- Ask your child, “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?”
- Be empathic towards your child with his or her answer. Let them know you are there for them.
- Provide support to your child considering suicide by taking them to the emergency room for an evaluation.
- Provide ongoing support through mental health counseling either through the school or in the community so your child can receive help with their suicidal thoughts.
- Get support for yourself by seeking out counseling or parent support groups.
- Familiarize yourself with the warning signs and protective factors around suicide.
- Be aware of community resources that specialize in assisting youth with thoughts of suicide.
