When it Feels Like There’s No Way Out: Supporting Educators in Assessing Suicide Risk in their Students, with Practical Recommendations and Tips

Teachers know their students are struggling. One in six Canadian students report intense thoughts of suicide, while about 1-4% of students actually make an attempt. Suicidality is not limited to Junior High and High School, with approximately 7% of students in grades 1-6 reporting seriously considering suicide in the past year. Distinguishing students who will stop at thinking about suicide from those who attempt suicide is a key, yet daunting, part of risk assessment.