Choosing a Teen Suicide Prevention Program

Teen suicide is a growing problem in high schools across America. While schools can’t single-handedly solve the issue, implementing teen suicide prevention programs can have a ripple effect that lowers suicide rates and helps teens in need of mental health support find the right care. Here’s a look at why teen suicide prevention programs matter and how to go about choosing the right one for your school.

Why Teen Suicide Prevention Programs Matter

The teenage years can be difficult for everyone. However, recent years have seen some alarming trends in the overall mental health of teens across the country:

• In 2023, 10% of high school students attempted suicide
• In 2023, 22% of high school students seriously considered suicide
• Suicide attempts are most common in girls, black teens, American Indian/Alaska Native teens, and teens who are lesbian, gay, or bisexual
• 91% of school administrators think schools should take action to prevent teen suicide
• 92% of school administrators believe schools should try to identify students who need mental health services

Any high school student can experience suicidal ideation, but teens and school employees alike should understand some of the main risk factors for teen suicide:

• Mental health conditions (especially if they are undiagnosed and/or untreated)
• Substance use issues
• Poor relationships
• Exposure to someone else’s suicide
• Traumatic brain injury
• Prolonged stress
• Chronic pain or serious health conditions
• Past trauma
• Being a target of bullying or cyberbullying
• Access to guns, drugs, or other lethal means

Unfortunately, many teens have at least one of these risk factors. Early intervention — even intervention before a teen starts to experience feelings of suicidality — can lead to positive outcomes and an improved sense of well-being throughout high school and beyond. 

That’s where teen suicide prevention programs come in. When you take the time to consider the needs of your school and your students and choose the right program, you can potentially help hundreds of students improve their lives for the better.

Types of Teen Suicide Prevention Programs

There are many different kinds of teen suicide prevention programs, and not all of them are based in schools. Here’s a look at some of the main types:

School-Based Programs

These programs are easy to integrate into an existing curriculum or as school-wide assemblies. School-based suicide prevention programs teach students and educators about suicide warning signs. They also help students learn healthy coping mechanisms and encourage the building of healthy relationships. 

Many of these programs connect students to additional mental health and suicide resources. Because all students learn the same material, school-based programs are a great way to normalize discussion of mental health.

Community-Based Programs

Depending on where your school is located, students may be able to connect with mental health programs and resources in the community. For example, if you have a local mental health center, teens may be able to visit when school is in session. If your area has youth recreation programs, organizers may incorporate suicide prevention resources or training material.

Therapeutic/Counseling Programs

Both individual and group therapy can be helpful for struggling teens — whether they have a mental health diagnosis or not. Most schools don’t implement therapy programs, but even helping students connect to local providers can make a difference.

Digital Resources

Some students avoid therapy or other in-person treatment options because they fear the stigma associated with mental health conditions. However, these students may be more likely to engage with apps that support mental health. Depending on their needs, students might prefer apps geared toward general well-being or those designed for more specific mental health concerns:

• Reducing anxiety
• Tracking moods
• Resisting the urge to self-harm
• Alleviating depression
• Managing routine stress

Even though teenagers are known for being on their phones, they may not realize just how many age-appropriate (and even condition-specific) mental health apps are available. Simply making them aware can make a big difference.

Key Factors in Choosing a Program

The decision to incorporate a teen suicide prevention program is a major one. However, once you’ve decided to incorporate a program, you have another decision to make: which program will you choose? These are four questions to ask yourself when making the choice.

Is It Evidence-Based?

Some programs are more effective than others. Because the goal of teen suicide prevention programs is to save lives, efficacy is of prime importance when you’re considering programs for your school. Look for programs with proven success and that are based on current mental health research.

Is It Inclusive and Accessible?

The most effective programs provide both general information and information geared toward populations of teens who are especially at risk. 

For instance, female students, students who are racial minorities, and those who are part of the LGBTQ community are overrepresented in suicide attempt statistics, so the most effective programs will incorporate guidance geared toward these populations.

What Role Do Parents and Educators Play?

Before making a selection, consider what roles adults play in a given program. Because teen suicide prevention is a community effort, it’s usually best for schools to choose a program that involves educators and school support staff. Depending on how involved the average parent is with their child, your school can determine whether a program that involves parents is appropriate.

Does the Program Offer Help in Crisis Situations?

Even with early intervention, some teens may suffer mental health crises. Before choosing a program, look at how each one handles crisis situations. Does it teach students and educators how to handle mental health crises? Does it offer guidance for follow-up care?

Could Your School Benefit From Teen Suicide Prevention Programs?

Rachel’s Challenge is on a mission to shape the culture of schools for the better. We believe that while individual-level intervention is still important, intervention at the community and organizational levels is necessary for long-term change. 

We’ve worked with hundreds of schools over the past two decades, and we offer in-person, digital, and hybrid training to meet your school’s needs. If you’re ready for change, book an event with us or donate to support our mission.