What is SOS (Signs of Suicide)?
Faculty, staff and administrators are concerned about an increase in their students’ suicidal behaviors. Nationally, suicide is now the second leading cause of death for those between the ages of 10-17 (CDC, 2019). In fact, the suicide rate for young people has risen 56% between 2007 and 2017 (Curtin & Heron, 2019). But the majority of those who die by suicide have a diagnosable mental health disorder, most often depression and/or substance use disorders, which are treatable. Unfortunately, most children are not well educated on mental health as an issue. A survey of middle school students in four states demonstrated significant uncertainty about whether mental health disorders are caused by biological factors or whether medication is helpful in treatment. It also revealed the substantial social stigma youth attach to other youth with mental illness (Wahl, et al., 2012).
Suicide prevention education teaches students about the connection between mental health concerns and suicide risk. Students who recognize that depression is serious but can improve dramatically with treatment, are encouraged to seek help. When students reach out for support, adults connect them to mental health and community resources before a crisis occurs.
This session will use SOS Signs of Suicide as an example of an evidence-based, universal prevention program for middle and high school students. SOS uses video, classroom discussion, and mental health screening to encourage students to ACT (Acknowledge, Care, and Tell a trusted adult) when concerned about themselves or a friend. The program takes one class period and is designed for any middle or high school classroom. SOS also includes video clips, slideshows and online resources for training school faculty/staff, parents, and community members as partners in youth suicide prevention.
Through multiple randomized controlled trials, SOS has demonstrated an improvement in students’ knowledge and adaptive attitudes about suicide risk and depression, as well as a reduction in actual suicide attempts. Compared to control groups, students who received SOS were 64% less likely to attempt suicide in the next 3 months (Schilling et al., 2016).
This session will equip school staff and community champions to advocate for suicide prevention education for their students, familiarize participants with universal mental health screening as a key component of suicide prevention, and provide concrete strategies for training youth and adults in suicide prevention.
Three Goals/Objectives:
1) Participants will be able to identify the importance of suicide prevention and depression awareness among the adolescent population.
2) Participants will learn about the components of the SOS program, including how to screen students who may be at risk for suicide.
3) Participants will be able to describe ways in which they can work with their schools and school districts to implement universal suicide prevention education for students, faculty/staff and parents.
Faculty, staff and administrators are concerned about an increase in their students’ suicidal behaviors. Nationally, suicide is now the second leading cause of death for those between the ages of 10-17 (CDC, 2019). In fact, the suicide rate for young people has risen 56% between 2007 and 2017 (Curtin & Heron, 2019). But the majority of those who die by suicide have a diagnosable mental health disorder, most often depression and/or substance use disorders, which are treatable. Unfortunately, most children are not well educated on mental health as an issue. A survey of middle school students in four states demonstrated significant uncertainty about whether mental health disorders are caused by biological factors or whether medication is helpful in treatment. It also revealed the substantial social stigma youth attach to other youth with mental illness (Wahl, et al., 2012).
Suicide prevention education teaches students about the connection between mental health concerns and suicide risk. Students who recognize that depression is serious but can improve dramatically with treatment, are encouraged to seek help. When students reach out for support, adults connect them to mental health and community resources before a crisis occurs.
This session will use SOS Signs of Suicide as an example of an evidence-based, universal prevention program for middle and high school students. SOS uses video, classroom discussion, and mental health screening to encourage students to ACT (Acknowledge, Care, and Tell a trusted adult) when concerned about themselves or a friend. The program takes one class period and is designed for any middle or high school classroom. SOS also includes video clips, slideshows and online resources for training school faculty/staff, parents, and community members as partners in youth suicide prevention.
Through multiple randomized controlled trials, SOS has demonstrated an improvement in students’ knowledge and adaptive attitudes about suicide risk and depression, as well as a reduction in actual suicide attempts. Compared to control groups, students who received SOS were 64% less likely to attempt suicide in the next 3 months (Schilling et al., 2016).
This session will equip school staff and community champions to advocate for suicide prevention education for their students, familiarize participants with universal mental health screening as a key component of suicide prevention, and provide concrete strategies for training youth and adults in suicide prevention.
Three Goals/Objectives:
1) Participants will be able to identify the importance of suicide prevention and depression awareness among the adolescent population.
2) Participants will learn about the components of the SOS program, including how to screen students who may be at risk for suicide.
3) Participants will be able to describe ways in which they can work with their schools and school districts to implement universal suicide prevention education for students, faculty/staff and parents.
Parent Resources
ACT Parent Handout |
ACT Parent Handout (Spanish) |
ACT Parent Infographic |
ACT Parent Infographic (Spanish) |
Student Resources
ACT Student Infographic |
ACT Poster |
Student Letter from Counselor |