Suicide Prevention Efforts in High Schools

Suicide is the second highest cause of death among 15 to 24 year olds. Amongst high school students in particular, incidents of self-injury, suicidal ideation, and suicide are increasing. This senior capstone project uses data gathered from surveys given to both high school teachers and principals from the Monterey Bay area, along with the a review of the current literature, to examine the scope and form of efforts being made to combat this trend. Analysis of the data indicates that in high schools, the resources currently available to students, teachers, and administrators are woefully inadequate. Additionally, this document proposes some potential mechanisms to provide a better system of support for teachers, administrators, and the students who are at risk of participating in such harmful behaviors.