For many students, school is more than just a place of learning, it’s where they spend most of their day. Teachers often become trusted adults in a young person’s life, which places them in a unique position to notice subtle changes in mood or behaviour.
While not every sign points to a mental health crisis, recognising the early warning signs of suicide could mean the difference between a student continuing to struggle in silence or receiving the help they need. With the right training, guidance, and care, educators can make a powerful impact, sometimes in ways they may never realise.
Why early recognition matters
Suicide remains the leading cause of death among Australians aged 15–24, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. In many cases, those who are struggling may not openly ask for help, but their behaviour may change in small but significant ways.
This has prompted educators and leaders to seek more structured support. The key lies in proactive recognition and thoughtful intervention.
Recognising the warning signs
Teachers may notice subtle but important cues when a student is not coping. While no two students are the same, some of the more common signs to look out for include:
Withdrawal from peers or class activities
Sudden drops in academic performance
Changes in sleep patterns or appearance
Talking or writing about feeling hopeless or worthless
Giving away personal belongings or saying goodbye
It's also important to stay alert when students experience known stressors — such as bullying, grief, family breakdown, or academic pressure. Recent coverage has shed light on how untreated emotional trauma in young people can have lasting effects.
How teachers can respond
Spotting the signs is just one part of the process, knowing how to respond with empathy and confidence is just as vital. Here are some practical steps educators can take:
1. Have a private, calm conversation
Approach the student with compassion. Let them know what you’ve observed and give them space to talk. Avoid making assumptions — just listen.
2. Don’t try to solve everything
Teachers are not counsellors, and that’s okay. If a student shares that they’re thinking about suicide, notify your school’s wellbeing coordinator or counsellor immediately.
3. Stay present and connected
Even after referring the student to support services, checking in regularly can help them feel less alone.
Support through training: What Suicide Programs offers
Many educators are willing to help, but unsure how. That’s where Suicide Programs steps in, offering practical, accredited training built specifically for Australian school environments.
Their evidence-based programs empower teachers and school staff with skills to:
Respond to students in distress
Hold safe and effective conversations
Know when and how to refer
Develop safety and support plans
Some of the most popular training options include:
CALM Youth – a course that equips individuals with the tools to have compassionate conversations around suicide, specifically in the context of Youth.
Accidental Counsellor – ideal for teachers and support staff who may find themselves in situations where students disclose personal struggles.
Be Well, Stay Well – This interactive workshop focuses on helping educators maintain their own wellbeing, manage burnout, and build the resilience needed to support others effectively. It’s ideal for school staff who are often exposed to emotionally challenging situations.
These courses are offered virtually and in-person, with flexible formats to suit school schedules. They’re also tailored to respect the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and communities.
What if you’re not trained yet? Here’s how you can still help
Even without formal training, teachers can still make a difference. If you notice a student who seems off, start with:
Asking open-ended questions – “How have you been feeling lately?” or “Is there anything on your mind?”
Normalising help-seeking – Let students know that it’s okay to talk to a counsellor, and that mental health is as important as physical health.
Staying non-judgemental – Avoid reacting with alarm or invalidation. Your calm presence is often more powerful than words.
And if you’re unsure what to do, reach out to services like Lifeline (13 11 14) or Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) for immediate advice and support.
A shared responsibility
Schools can be powerful places of prevention, but no teacher should feel like they’re facing this responsibility alone. With the right tools, training, and culture of care, we can ensure no student’s warning signs are missed.
If your school is looking to build capacity in suicide prevention, explore the full range of programs available at Suicide Programs. Together, we can support safer, more responsive school environments for every young person.
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