SOS Signs of Suicide for Parents

Suicide can be a difficult topic. For support, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 >

What to Know

Suicide can be prevented. There is always hope, and there are many pathways to recovery. With the right support, most young people who experience suicidal thoughts go on to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

Our goal is to equip students – and the adults who care about them – with practical suicide prevention skills. When families, schools, and communities work together, they can play an important role in helping keep young people safe.

We encourage families to talk openly about mental health and suicide prevention. Lessons at school may prompt your child to ask questions or share concerns, creating an opportunity for meaningful conversation at home.

SOS Includes

Videos and Discussion: Middle and high school students watch age-appropriate videos and participate in guided classroom conversations that teach signs of depression and suicide risk, and how to seek help if concerned about a friend.

Depression Screening Activity: During this anonymous, self-reflection activity, students consider signs of depression or suicide risk in themselves. Once students review the questions, they read help-seeking advice based on their answers. By applying the lesson content to their own experiences, students build self-awareness and are encouraged to seek help from a trusted adult when needed.

Exit Slip: This confidential referral slip gives students a pathway to ask to speak to an adult about concerns for themselves or a friend. Schools are encouraged to follow their procedures to ensure follow-up for any students seeking support.

School Staff Training: From kindergarten to graduation, interactive online training increases adults’ preparedness, confidence, and knowledge to identify, engage, and refer students at risk of suicide. 

Preview Student Program Preview K-12 Staff Program

Our Evidence-Based Programs

For Middle & High School Students

A single-class period curriculum that teaches middle and high school students to recognize signs of suicide and depression and how to seek help if they are concerned about themselves or a friend.

For K-12 School Staff

A one-hour online training that teaches adults in elementary, middle, and high school settings to recognize signs of suicide and keep students safe while connecting them to support.

For Higher Ed Campuses

30-minute online trainings that teach higher education students and campus faculty and staff to recognize signs of suicide in a student and connect them to resources, while building connection on campus.

The ACT® Framework

All SOS programs encourage learners to ACT® (Acknowledge, Care, Tell) if they are worried about themselves or a friend.

To see the ACT framework in action, watch this real-life story of Elli and her parents’ journey from suicide risk to hope and recovery. You’ll see how Elli’s parents Acknowledge signs of risk, including extreme anger, withdrawing from family, and isolating in her room. They show they Care by learning to resist problem-solving and instead listen with empathy.

Finally, you’ll see how Elli’s friend Mikayla Tells her mom that Elli was talking about suicide and her mom immediately contacts Elli’s parents. Her parents take action and begin the journey of seeking help as a family. 

A

Acknowledge signs of suicide in a friend
C

Show your friend that you Care
T

Tell a trusted adult

How Parents & Caregivers Can ACT

In this next video, you’ll see a fictional example of a parent using the ACT framework to express concerns and provide support. Watch for the following ACT steps:

Acknowledge: The mother stated the changes she noticed that caused concern including loss of interest in hobbies, feeling tired all the time, avoiding friends, and change in appearance.

Care: She demonstrated how much she loved and cared for her daughter by initiating this difficult conversation. By asking about suicide, she showed that she took her daughter’s pain seriously and wanted to know the truth.

Tell: She empowered her daughter to reach out for support. She offered other adults and professional resources her daughter could talk to and together they made a plan to reach out.

It's Okay to Ask About Suicide

If you’re worried about your child, start a conversation. Listen calmly and without judgment. Young people who are struggling may feel misunderstood or afraid to talk. Try saying, “I’ve noticed some changes. How are you?” or “I’m here for you, no matter what.”

If you’re concerned about suicide, you can ask directly: “Have you been thinking about ending your life?” Asking won’t put the idea in their head; it shows you care and opens the door to getting help.

For help, contact your doctor, school mental health team, community providers, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call/text 988), or 911 in an emergency.

Have Questions?

Each district has their own policies, guidelines, and local resources, so please contact your school directly with any questions about how SOS will be facilitated in your community.

SOS for Parents and Caregivers