When community members express concern about teen suicide, what is the best action for a principal to take?

While promoting awareness and providing resources through posters for a 24-hour suicide hotline is valuable in making help accessible, the most comprehensive and effective approach in this scenario is to begin a counseling and wellness program on campus that also refers students to community agencies and resources.

Implementing a counseling and wellness program addresses the issue at a deeper level by offering ongoing support and establishing a safe environment for students to discuss their feelings. This approach helps foster resilience, build coping skills, and ensure students have access to professional mental health resources. It acknowledges that concerns about teen suicide often stem from complex emotional and social challenges that require more than just awareness; they require support and intervention.

A one-time informational tactic, like hanging posters or writing an article, lacks the ongoing preventative measures that a counseling program would provide. Similarly, banning social media may not tackle the root causes of the issue, as it can limit students' ability to connect positively. Focusing on comprehensive wellness strategies can help create a more supportive school culture that addresses mental health proactively.