Suicide, in Schools

Characteristics of Suicide Victims

Suicide is categorized as a health and safety issue along with poor diet, reckless sexual activity, lack of exercise, drug and alcohol abuse, eating disorders, school violence, physically or sexually abused children, and peer-to-peer [Page 974]sexual harassment. While suicide is an issue that affects students from wealthy, middle-class, and poor communities, certain groups are more prone than others; however, characteristics change over time. Prior to 1980, African Americans were less likely than Whites to commit suicide; however, between 1980 and 1996, the suicide rate among African Americans doubled. Nationally, the suicide rate for White males has nearly tripled since 1950. American Indians, because of alcoholism, rural isolation, and fewer services, are more likely to take their own lives. Also at heightened risk are gay and lesbian youth and students with learning disabilities. Gender and suicide methods for adolescents nationally are similar. Boys tend to commit suicide at a higher rate than girls do. They also tend to use guns more than girls do. Girls tend to seek intervention to reduce suicidal impulses. According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, 47% of suicides are committed in the home with a parentowned gun, 10% in another residence, and 10% on a public road.

Administrator Responsibilities

Suicides present unique challenges to school administrators. The alarming increase in completed suicides means that assistant principals who are responsible for student discipline will come in touch with completed or attempted suicides. For every completed suicide, an estimated 7 to 10 others are attempted.

One suicide in a school may lead to other suicides. Suicide clustering may be a copycat act or response to news reporting. Clustering is a by-product of youth suicide and a challenge for school administrators and counselors. School administrators play an important role in suicide prevention through early detection of risk factors, warning signs of depression, and student programs. Depression, anger, anxiety, drug abuse, hopelessness, reduced academic performance, learning problems, or interactions among factors are predictors of suicidal behavior. Schools can address issues of depression, coping, problem solving, and stress management. While administrators must be proactive, they must also use good judgment in selecting preventions to assure that prevention programs do not induce suicide in a delicate teen. Boys who commit suicide may not exhibit these factors in the same way as do girls and may be misdiagnosed. There are some typical circumstances, attributes, and behaviors that are useful for administrators, teachers, social service providers, counselors, physicians, and other adults in contact with adolescents.

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