2 hr. Suicide Prevention, Awareness & Response Strategies (S.P.A.R.S.) for Teachers & Counselors
Course Objectives
- To increase understanding of the tragic issue of youth suicide, the risk factors that can lead to suicide, and the prevention of suicidal ideation and behavior in youth
- To increase knowledge of the warning signs, so that teen peers are better prepared to identify and get help for their peers who may be at risk
- Identify response roles and strategies based on whether you are a teacher or a counselor.
Description – DID YOU KNOW? . . .
- That suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for adolescents and young adults?
- That in 2013 over 180,000 youth between the ages of 10-24 were hospitalized for self-inflicted injuries?
- That 8% of high school student reported having attempted suicide one or more times in previous twelve month period.
- For every death by suicide at least 6 other people are intimately affected?
- One of the most dangerous things you can do is promise to keep suicidal thoughts a secret?
- That “gifted” students are in a high risk category of thoughts and suicide behavior?
This 120 min. professional development format seminar is designed to be educational to teacher and counselor attendees so that they are more aware of types of students who may be at risk or may know someone who is at risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. Lecture discusses statistics related to suicide attempts and how attempts can be looked at as opportunities to intervene and save lives. Additionally information related to suicidal ideation, bullying/cyberbullying, risk factors for teen suicide and warning signs for suicide will be discussed with opportunities for Q&A available by teachers and counselors.
Additionally response strategies based on whether they are a teacher or counselor are discussed as well as establishing a mitigation plan for the at risk student.
Educational lecture and audio-visual are an important part of this seminar for teachers and counselors.
“In the next 24 hours 1,429 teens will attempt suicide . . . YOU can BE THE POSITIVE CHANGE in someones life!”