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This Padlet is prepared as a resource for teachers and counselors to refer to when working with suicidal students. As mental health awareness and concerns continue to grow, it is imperative that educators prepare and educate themselves in working with suicidal students.

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I met with a current high school counselor at Holmes School in San Antonio, TX.

Melissa Deluna shared with me her role in working with suicidal students. She stated that teachers and friends of suicidal students are the usually the first line of contact that observes or hears the warning signs. Many times friends of the suicidal student will come into the counseling office to report suicidal ideation or a threat their friend had made to them. Many times this cry-out is made in late night texts or through social media, Mrs. Deluna stated. As a counselor, she meets with the student and completes a CSSR, The Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale. After completing the scale she determines if the student has suicidal ideation or a threat. She consults with admin and other counselors as well.

Mrs. Deluna stated that three best practices for educators are to remain calm, report immediately, and to never leave the student alone. She also stated how crucial it is to not minimize students’ feelings and emotions. If there is little to no risk it is important to come up with coping mechanisms, identify support systems, and work parents to create a safety plan. It is also important to provide the family community resources that they can get in touch with.

Mrs. Deluna stays current with working with suicidal students by frequently visiting the ASCA website and attending trainings in the local area and with the district. Students understand that by law Mrs. Deluna must tell the proper authorities if a student is in danger to themselves or others. As close relationships are formed with students, the lack of confidentiality often hinders what is shared and the closeness of the relationship she is able to form with her students. Mrs. Deluna also faces many ethical dilemmas every day. She relies on her team of counselors to consult with in order to ensure that she is making the right decision in the best interest of the student.

( M. Deluna, personal communication, July, 19, 2019.)

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American School Counselor Association (www.schoolcounselor.org)

The American School Counselor website is a great resource for educators and counselors to use to find additional resources for working with suicidal students. There are links to current legislation, webinars, and discussion boards.

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Jones, S. (2019, June 18). Suicide Rate Among Adolescents at Highest Point Since 2000. Retrieved from https://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/rulesforengagement/2019/06/suicide_rate_among_adolescents_at_highest_point_since_2000.html

https://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/rulesforengagement/2019/06/suicide_rate_among_adolescents_at_highest_point_since_2000.html

·        A recent article on Education Week found that suicide rates of adolescents and young adults has significantly risen since year 2000 according to the CDC.

·        The study also found that the suicide rate in adolescent males is much higher than females. Male suicide rates are 17.9 per 100,000 and female suicide rates are only 5.4 per 100,000.

·        The study finds that the increased use of social media, anxiety, and depression, play a role in the increase.

Future studies will be aimed to further collect data on the causes and to develop  prevention methods.

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Stark, L. (2018, December 04). Suicides Are on the Rise. Here's How Schools Can Help. Retrieved from http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/rulesforengagement/2018/12/suicides_continue_to_increase_how_schools_can_help.html

http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/rulesforengagement/2018/12/suicides_continue_to_increase_how_schools_can_help.html

·        A recent blog on ED Week found that suicide is the second leading cause of death in adolescents ages 10-19.

·        The blog urges schools to create a welcoming environment, address bullying issues, and educate teachers and students about depression and suicide.

·        Schools’ reactions and actions to suicide is equally as important as prevention.

The blog recommended not to glamorize death but to give grieving strategies and access to a counselor.

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Statutory law- EDUC § 11.252- Ensures that schools address the needs of the students with suicide prevention programs. Curriculum will be taught alongside physical health courses.

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/ED/htm/ED.11.htm

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Statutory law- EDUC § 33.006- School counselor’s duties include implementing a comprehensive guidance program to aide students who are at risk of committing suicide.  https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/ED/htm/ED.33.htm

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Statutory law -SB 179- David’s Law- TEXAS SB 179 | 2017-2018 | 85th Legislature- Anti-bullying law created after a student committed suicide due to cyber-bullying. Texas Education Code - EDUC § 37.0832

https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/85R/billtext/pdf/SB00179I.pdf

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Statutory law- HEALTH & SAFETY § 161.325- implements suicide prevention programs in schools by requiring districts provide schools with updated lists of available best practice methods and training for staff.

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/htm/HS.161.htm

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Slide #10 Local Administrative Law/Policy/     In the Northside ISD parent handbook it states “A student MAY BE removed from class and placed in a disciplinary alternative education program or expelled if the student: 12. engages in bullying that encourages a student to commit or attempt to commit suicide; incites violence against a student through group bullying; or releases or threatens to release intimate visual material of a minor or a student who is 18 years of age or older without the student’s consent.” Northside ISD multiple prevention programs in place to prevent bullying and suicide. By making parents aware of the consequences before hand, it creates a rich community culture that can work together to foster safe schools. Northside ISD Parent Handbook. (2018). San Antonio, Texas.

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Slide #10 Local Administrative Law/Policy/     In the Northside ISD parent handbook it states “A student MAY BE removed from class and placed in a disciplinary alternative education program or expelled if the student: 12. engages in bullying that encourages a student to commit or attempt to commit suicide; incites violence against a student through group bullying; or releases or threatens to release intimate visual material of a minor or a student who is 18 years of age or older without the student’s consent.” Northside ISD multiple prevention programs in place to prevent bullying and suicide. By making parents aware of the consequences before hand, it creates a rich community culture that can work together to foster safe schools. Northside ISD Parent Handbook. (2018). San Antonio, Texas.

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A.6. Appropriate Referrals and Advocacy School counselors: a. Collaborate with all relevant stakeholders, including students, educators and parents/guardians when student assistance is needed, including the identification of early warning signs of student distress.

American School Counselor Association. Ethical Standards for School Counselors. American School Counselor Association, n.d.

In counseling and education, collaboration is a significant aspect of our jobs. Counselors must collaborate with educators and administration as well as parents. Especially when a safety plan is developed for the student, it is vital that all parties take part and work together for the safety of the student.

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American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is an excellent website with an abundance of resources for working with suicidal students. It has prevention programs that schools can adopt. The site also contains warning signs, how to report suicide, and what to do after a suicide. There are also some printable facts sheets that educators and counselors can share with students and parents.

https://afsp.org/

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. (2019, July 16). Retrieved from https://afsp.org/

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Slide #13 Bulleted list of Recommendations / Best Practices for Compliance

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Slide #13 Bulleted list of Recommendations / Best Practices for Compliance

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A Teacher’s Role in Working with Suicidal Students:

·         If suicidal thoughts are heard first-hand- DO NOT ask the student further questions or prompt them, this could be a trigger. Remain calm and do not let the student out of your sight. Escort them to the counseling office and write a report of the incident.

·         If suicidal thoughts are not heard first-hand- Immediately notify counseling office. Report the name of the student that reported it in case we need to follow up with further questions.

·         Remember, you are a valuable part of this process. Please report, report, report, even if you think it’s something small or harmless. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

RISK FACTORS AND WARNING SIGNS

Things to look for in your students:

·         History of mental illness

·         Substance abuse

·         Have experienced trauma

·         Unusual thoughts and actions

·         Impulsivity and lack of self-control

·         LGBTQ are at greater risk

·         Bullying

·         Serious medical condition or pain

·         Please refer them to the counseling office so we meet with them