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Crisis Info
Sign Up for Emails- Talking about suicide can save lives. Asking about suicide in a calm, supportive way is not harmful and can help children struggling with suicidal thoughts.
- Don't wait for the topic of suicide to come up on its own. Regularly check in with your child, asking open-ended questions and providing a safe place for them to share their feelings.
- Watch for warning signs or sudden changes in behavior. If you’re concerned, bring up your concerns directly and ask if they have ever thought about ending their life.
Resources for Suicide Prevention
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for children ages 10-14 according to the CDC (2025). Talking with kids about suicide is one of the most important conversations you can have. Learn about how to talk to kids about suicide, the myths surrounding suicide, and ways to build resilience in kids.
If you or your child need help due to having suicidal thoughts, call, chat or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or text the Crisis Text Line by texting "START" to 741-741. If there is an immediate safety concern, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
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How to Talk to Kids About Suicide
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Talking to Kids about Mental Health
- Get in the habit of discussing mental health before problems arise. You don’t need to have all the answers.
- Mental health is how we think, feel and act. Talk about feelings openly by sharing your own and how you handle them.
- Choose a calm time to discuss concerns, listen to your child's feelings, and seek professional help if needed.
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Understanding Self-Harm in Children and Teens
- Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), or self-harm, is when someone purposely hurts their body without wanting to die, such as cutting, burning, scratching or pulling hair.
- Risk factors include trauma, isolation, substance or alcohol misuse, depression and anxiety.
- Children and teens may hurt themselves because of upsetting thoughts and feelings, use it to calm down or to escape negative emotions. The relief they feel after the pain stops does not last, so they may repeat the behavior.
- Working with a mental health professional is often necessary to help them learn healthier ways to cope.
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Helping a Child Who’s Lost Someone to Suicide
- Suicide loss affects many teens and increases their risk of suicide — 1 in 5 teens knows someone who died by suicide, and those already struggling with mental health are especially vulnerable.
- Grief after suicide can be intense, complicated and long-lasting; it may resurface over time.
- Adults can help by allowing space for big emotions and focusing on hope. Remind them that suicide is never their fault.
- Modeling healthy views on mental health and connecting with others who’ve experienced suicide loss can reduce stigma and help teens feel less alone. Seeking professional help can provide additional support.
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Improve Resiliency to Reduce Suicide Risk
- Resilience helps kids safely and effectively navigate challenging emotions or crisis.
- There are ways you can support your child’s resilience through encouraging protective factors.
- Learn to understand warning signs for a crisis and where to turn if you need help.
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Helping Kids Support a Friend with Suicidal Thoughts
- Teens often turn to friends first when experiencing suicidal thoughts, making it crucial to prepare kids to recognize warning signs like persistent sadness, risky behavior, withdrawal or talk of self-harm.
- Teach supportive responses by encouraging kids to listen without judgment, offer empathy, and guide their friends to trusted adults or resources like the 988 Crisis & Suicide Lifeline.
- Emphasize shared responsibility—kids don’t need to handle a crisis alone. Self-harm or suicidal thoughts shared with them is not a secret that’s safe to keep.
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Spotting Suicide Warning Signs in Students and What to Do
- Suicide warning signs include changes in behavior (such as withdrawing from others), mood (which could include irritability or anger) or declining academic performance.
- Pay attention to what students say, how they’re engaging with peers and listening for expressions of hopelessness or talk about death.
- If you notice warning signs, engage in open conversations, support the student and seek help from mental health professionals or school staff.
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Reducing Suicide Risk in Youth of Diverse Backgrounds
- While many youth experience emotional distress and thoughts of suicide, youth of diverse backgrounds experience concerns at higher rates than their white peers.
- Racial and ethnic minority youth experience unique risk factors such as increased stigma, lack of culturally sensitive resources/providers and experiences of racism and discrimination.
- Social support, religious identity, and increased resilience through positive racial socialization can help reduce the risk of suicide.
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Sextortion: What to Know to Protect Kids Online
- Sextortion is when someone threatens to share private or fake sexual photos or videos to get money, more images or make other demands.
- It can start online with someone pretending to be a friend, and it often makes kids feel worried, ashamed or trapped.
- Parents can help by talking with their kids about online safety, keeping accounts private and reminding them they can always come to a trusted adult for help.
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Cyberbullying - What Is It and How to Help Protect Kids
- Cyberbullying is hurtful, targeted behavior using digital platforms like social media, texts and games, with tactics like doxxing, catfishing and harassment.
- It differs from traditional bullying because it can be anonymous, can occur 24/7 and may leave a lasting digital trail that can spread rapidly.
- Cyberbullying can cause harm to mental health such as anxiety, depression, trauma symptoms, academic issues and even suicidal thoughts.
- Warning signs include withdrawal, irritability, secrecy around devices and loss of interest in usual activities.
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