Adolescents and those in their early 20’s are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of exposure to the suicide of a peer. This can lead to phenomena called suicide contagion and suicide clusters among this age group. The relative risk of suicide among 15-19 year olds is 2 to 4 times greater among those who knew a peer who died by suicide. The process leading to this increased risk of suicide is called contagion. Through the direct or indirect transmission of suicidal behavior the death of one person by suicide may contribute to another person’s similar death. Although this is comparatively rare among all suicide deaths, adolescents are more susceptible to imitative suicide than adults because they identify more readily with the behavior and qualities of their peers. After a suicidal death in a school community it is vital that students who may be vulnerable be identified and supported, that media be provided the guidelines for reporting on suicide, and that a comprehensive and systematic postvention response be implemented.

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