Suicide Prevention | SOS Signs of Suicide for Students

Teach in a Single Class Period

SOS for Students offers evidence-based suicide prevention programs for both middle and high school classrooms.

The programs use the ACT^® (Acknowledge, Care, Tell) framework to teach students how to recognize signs of depression and suicide risk, and how to seek help if they are concerned about themselves or a friend.

Preview SOS for Students

How It Works in Middle & High School Classrooms

Each curriculum includes facilitation guidance with prompts for classroom discussion, age-appropriate videos featuring real stories and modeled scenarios, and a brief depression screen that encourages students to reflect on how they are feeling. The core lessons can be taught in a single class period, with refresher lessons available for each grade.

Multiple randomized controlled trials have shown that SOS for Students effectively increased students’ knowledge about suicide and depression, strengthened adaptive attitudes, and reduced suicide attempts.

Why Schools Choose SOS for Students

Evidence-Based

SOS for Students reduced suicide attempts by 64%. Scroll down to read the research behind the program.

One Class Period

Includes all planning and classroom materials needed to deliver SOS for Students in a single class period.

Lessons for Each Grade

Access to annual refresher lessons that help continue suicide prevention conversations year after year.

No Training

The program can be delivered by any trusted adult including teachers, counselors, or community partners.

$500 Annual License

Annual licenses for middle and high school programs are $500 per school building, per year.

Trusted by Thousands

SOS Signs of Suicide is trusted by thousands of schools across the country every school year.

How to Purchase

Annual SOS for Students licenses cost $500 per program, per school building. To purchase, please visit our online shop.

If cost or capacity is a barrier, we work with a nationwide network of community organizations that deliver SOS for Students to schools across the country. Additionally if you’re applying for a grant to fund SOS for Students, our grant application toolkit includes everything you need to complete your application.

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"SOS has been shown to reduce suicidal ideation in middle school students and suicide attempts in high school students.

If your administrators do not know where to begin, suggest SOS."

American Association of Suicidology

The Evidence Behind SOS for Students

Since the program’s inception, researchers have assessed the effectiveness of SOS for Students by conducting several randomized controlled trials – an evaluation known as the “gold standard” of research studies.

SOS reduced suicide attempts by 64% and has demonstrated an improvement in students’ knowledge and adaptive attitudes about suicide risk and depression.

“An Outcome Evaluation of the SOS Suicide Prevention Program” | Read
“Evaluating the SOS Suicide Prevention Program: A Replication and Extension” | Read
“SOS Shows Promise as a Middle School Suicide Prevention Program” | Read
“Further Evidence of SOS Efficacy & Effectiveness” | Read
“The SOS Program Pilot Study: High School Implementation Recommendations” | Read
“Evaluating the SOS Program: Middle School Students at Risk and Staff Acceptability” | Read
“Virtual SOS: Student Perspectives and Acceptability” | Read

Explore More SOS Programs

We offer suicide prevention education for students from middle school through college – and to the adults who support them. Learn more about our K-12 and higher education programs below.

SOS for K-12 School Staff SOS for Higher Ed

SOS Signs of Suicide for Middle & High School Students