An emerging issue that relates to working with suicidal students is finding ways to reduce the stress and anxiety that many students have. Stress and anxiety affects the student’s mental health and well-being. Taking bullying seriously, respecting student’s backgrounds, and recognizing child abuse at schools are some ways to decrease the stress and anxiety of many students (Black, 2022). By releasing perfectionism and a high level of academic expectations like “only smart students go to college”, students are able to become themselves, be non-judgmental, and impact their schools and communities in a positive way. 

Another emerging issue is the increase of technology and social media. Students are able to say and react to hurtful comments on their phones, which can be detrimental to one’s mental health. David’s Law prevents bullying through several components in schools. For instance, if someone harasses or bullies anyone under the age of 18 through social media or other technology, it is a misdemeanor (Melendez, 2015). Cyberbullying needs to be taken seriously because technology is constantly evolving. 

Citation: The American School Counseling Association (2020) states, “before releasing the student to the parents/guardians, school counselors: are clear with parents/guardians about what is known regarding the student’s suicidal ideation, do not negate the risk of harm based on a student’s self-report, avoid using words or phrases such as “impulse control” or “low risk” in an effort to soften the message, strongly encourage parents/guardians to seek a medical or mental health provider for a comprehensive assessment of their child help the family find resources if needed” (para. 7). 

Link: https://schoolcounselor.org/Standards-Positions/Position-Statements/ASCA-Position-Statements/The-School-Counselor-and-Suicide-Risk-Assessment 

Summary: School counselors support at-risk, suicidal students. They may provide referrals for the student to seek professional therapy given the parent’s consent. When a student is in crisis mode, parents must be notified. Parents understand their child and know what’s best; however, school counselors may contact Child Protective Services (CPS) if the child is being abused or neglected.

Link: https://www.k12dive.com/spons/the-role-of-parents-and-educators-in-suicide-prevention/620819/ 

Summary: Suicide is increasing amongst adolescents, so therefore the education of warning signs and prevention is crucial. A parent’s role is significant in a child’s life, specifically in decreasing the risk of suicide. Parents and the child’s environment impacts the child’s developmental stage, cognitive abilities, and mental well-being. Educators, school counselors, and administrators support students by providing a safe and positive classroom environment and culture. There are a few ways to decrease the stigma of mental health and suicide prevention, which includes promoting social emotional learning, providing trauma-informed training, and recognizing the signs of mental distress. Responding appropriately to suicide ideation is crucial for students to get the help and assistance they need. 

Summary: Olivia Kong, a junior at the University of Pennsylvania committed suicide. With the overwhelming course load and pressure, the doctor did not consider Olivia’s situation as "urgent", so therefore her parents were not notified. Olivia stated that she was considering ending her life nine times; however, this was never shared with her parents which led to them suing the university. By suggesting a leave of absence due to mental health concerns, it may cause more anxiety and stress. In terms of working with students who are suicidal, it is significant to intervene effectively by notifying the parents; however, it is important to understand the various accommodations to best support the student.

Bastrop ISD. (2022). Bastrop isd student handbook. https://www.bisdtx.org/cms/lib/TX02218757/Centricity/Domain/3914/2022-2023%20Student%20Handbook.pdf 

Citation: The American School Counselor Association (1984) states, “inform parents/guardians and school administration when a student poses a serious and foreseeable risk of harm to self or others. This notification is to be done after careful deliberation and consultation with appropriate professionals, such as other school counselors, the school nurse, school psychologist, school social worker, school resource officer or child protective services. Even if the danger appears relatively remote, parents/guardians must be notified. The consequence of the risk of not giving parents/guardians a chance to intervene on behalf of their child is too great” (p. 4). 

Link: https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/44f30280-ffe8-4b41-9ad8-f15909c3d164/EthicalStandards.pdf 

Connection to Topic: In relation to working with students who are suicidal, it is important to notify the parents. In notifying the parents, they are aware of the situation and can best support their child’s needs. 

Link: https://www.texastribune.org/2021/01/13/texas-schools-mental-health-resources/ 

Connection to Topic: School districts are able to provide mental health resources as well as address suicide and student trauma. School counselors can refer students to professional therapy. Outside therapy can prevent suicide ideation and other mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.

American School Counselor Association. (2020). The school counselor and suicide risk assessment. https://schoolcounselor.org/Standards-Positions/Position-Statements/ASCA-Position-Statements/The-School-Counselor-and-Suicide-Risk-Assessment

Bastrop ISD. (2022). Bastrop isd student handbook. https://www.bisdtx.org/cms/lib/TX02218757/Centricity/Domain/3914/2022-2023%20Student%20Handbook.pdf  

Black, T. (2022, August 22). Children’s risk of suicide increases on school days. Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/childrens-risk-of-suicide-increases-on-school-days/ 

Eisel v. Montgomery County Board of Education, 324 Md. 376 (Md. 1991).

Gluckman, N., Mangan, K. (2022, March 29). With students in mental health crisis, campus risk doing too little - or too much. The Chronicle of Higher Education. https://www.chronicle.com/article/with-students-in-mental-health-crises-campuses-risk-doing-too-little-or-too-much?bc_nonce=a4i8fo5yegvhk6thw71hzj&cid=reg_wall_signup  

K-12DIVE. (2022, April 4). The role of parents and educators in suicide prevention. https://www.k12dive.com/spons/the-role-of-parents-and-educators-in-suicide-prevention/620819/ 

Melendez, J. (2015). David’s law. https://senate.texas.gov/members/d26/press/en/a20161114a.pdf 

Stover, K. (2023, March 6). A comprehensive approach to suicide awareness and prevention. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/suicide-awareness-and-prevention/

Swaby, A. (2021, January 13). Where parents and students in texas can turn for help with mental health concerns. The Texas Tribune. https://www.texastribune.org/2021/01/13/texas-schools-mental-health-resources/

Tex. Health & Safety Code § 161.325 

U.S. Const. amend. XIV

U.S Department of Education. (n.d). What is a threat assessment team?
https://studentprivacy.ed.gov/faq/what-threat-assessment-team#:~:text=A%20threat%20assessment%20team%20is,school%20employees%2C%20or%20other%20individuals. 

34 CFR Part 99