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Arguments for and against teaching suicide prevention in schools
1Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.
The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry
|October 1, 1996
Summary
School-based suicide prevention programs aim to help adolescents seek adult support. However, evidence suggests these programs may be ineffective and potentially unsafe, questioning their universal adoption.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Adolescent Psychology
- Educational Policy
Background:
- Schools have a duty of care and responsibility to address issues impacting education.
- Peer support is crucial for adolescents, making them ideal targets for primary prevention programs.
- Existing literature on school-based programs informs the debate on their efficacy and implementation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the arguments for and against implementing curriculum-based suicide prevention programs in schools.
- To synthesize evidence regarding the effectiveness, efficiency, and safety of school-based suicide prevention initiatives.
Main Methods:
- Independent literature review and argument development by authors.
- Debate at a national conference on suicide prevention to consolidate findings.
- Analysis of existing research on school-based prevention program outcomes.
Main Results:
- Proponents argue schools should provide health education and support, with programs targeting 'helpers' to increase adolescent help-seeking from adults.
- Evidence indicates school-based programs can increase adolescent help-seeking behavior.
- Critics cite research suggesting ineffectiveness, inefficiency, lack of universal acceptability, and safety concerns.
Conclusions:
- Advocates support widespread adoption in Australian secondary schools.
- Opponents recommend reallocating suicide prevention resources away from school-based education programs.