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.
Select each category below to learn more.
- How to support suicidal adolescents
- How to reduce the chance of suicide and/or contagion through means restriction
- Details on safe social and traditional media reporting
- SUICIDE CONTAGION AND CLUSTERS
- MEANS RESTRICTION
- GUIDELINES FOR NOTIFYING PARENTS, SAMHSA Toolkit
- SAFETY PLANNING GUIDE: A QUICK GUIDE FOR CLINICIANS, WICHE & SPRC
- SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS SESSION APPROPRIATE FOR ALL SCHOOL PERSONNEL
- GUIDELINES FOR FACILITATING A STUDENT’S RETURN TO SCHOOL, SAMHSA Toolkit
- GUIDELINES FOR WHEN A STUDENT RETURNS TO SCHOOL FOLLOWING ABSENCE FOR SUICIDAL BEHAVIOR
- OTHER ISSUES AND OPTIONS SURROUNDING A STUDENT’S RETURN TO SCHOOL, MYSPP
- AFSP Social Media Guidelines
- Harvard School of Public Health – Means Matter: Lethal means counseling
- Harvard School of Public Health – Means Matter: Families, Recommendations for families
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – Firearms and Suicide Prevention: Suicide is a leading cause of death, and it’s preventable
- SPRC & Brady Center
- SPRC & WICHE. Suicide Prevention Toolkit for Rural Primary Care Practices