Sarah Stanford, Macquarie University
Suicide and self-harm remain taboo topics in schools, despite the fact youth suicide has reached a ten year high.
Recent statistics show around eight children and young people die by suicide each week in Australia. Around one in ten self-harm during their teenage years. This loss of life means that the topic is too important not to talk about, but parents and teachers are often concerned that talking about suicide or self-harm may put ideas in young, impressionable minds.
Further reading: Australian teens doing well, but some still at high risk of suicide and self-harm.
Teachers and parents are often concerned about putting ideas in students’ heads. They worry talking about it more will lead students to swap strategies and compare wounds, and whether there are resources to support additional disclosures.
The World Suicide Prevention Day ...
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