According to recent statistics, suicide is the second highest cause of death among children aged between 10 and 14. In fact, a different survey shows that a whopping 30% of teens have seriously thought about committing suicide.
Unfortunately, with most teenagers spending most of their time in school, it can be difficult to spot warning signs early. Due to this, it’s the responsibility of teachers, counselors, and other school staff to be vigilant and identify the red flags before they escalate. Not sure of what to look for? This post highlights some of the changes you’re likely to see from suicidal students.
Main Warning Signs of Suicidal Students
Abrupt Drop in Academic Performance
Has your teen’s school performance plummeted? Have they started to neglect assignments, complete their school projects late or skip school entirely?
If you notice these changes in a child who was previously performing well, you should investigate the cause. Perhaps they’re experiencing severe mental health problems, which might increase their risk of suicide.
Sudden Obsession with Death, Violence or Aggressive Behavior
Another sign you should watch out for is a sudden fixation with peculiar concepts like death, war, or aggression.
You may notice this obsession from the essays, poetry, artwork, or other school projects that they’re assigned. In other cases, the student may become more engrossed with violent games, videos, or music. Others start showing an interest in weapons.
In case you notice any of these behaviors, make further inquiries. Find out whether there’s anything that has piqued their interest and caused this fixation.
Toxic Peer Relationships
If a student has suddenly changed their circle of friends, you might want to find out why. This is particularly worrying if the new company comprises people who engage in substance abuse, alcohol use, criminal activity, or other risky behaviors.
Drastic Mood Swings
Another sign you should watch out for is a sudden shift in mood. Perhaps your student used to be very reserved but is now loud and aggressive. Or, maybe they’ve become unusually withdrawn, quieter, or angrier.
Whatever the change in behavior is, it’s worth investing further. If it’s not addressed, it can exacerbate the situation and cause them to feel suicidal.
Engaging in Risky Behaviors
So you have this student who has always been well-mannered, cautious, and academically fit. And then, out of the blue, they start engaging in risky behaviors. They’re found driving recklessly, smoking within the school grounds, or vandalizing school property.
If you notice such drastic changes, you should report the matter to the school head and parents. This way, they can get the counseling they need.
The Bottom Line
As a teacher, you have a lot of influence on the upbringing of your students. It’s why teachers are often described as “second parents.” “The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.” (Luke 6:10)
In this capacity, it’s your responsibility to keep a close eye on the behavior of these kids. Investigate the matter further if you notice extreme changes in their behavior or academic performance. This way, they can get necessary help if they’re feeling suicidal. “
