Teachers' Perspectives on Preventing Suicide in Children and Adolescents in Schools: A Qualitative Study

Arch Suicide Res. 2017 Jul 3;21(3):519-530. doi: 10.1080/13811118.2016.1227005. Epub 2016 Aug 31.

Abstract

Given the important role teachers play as gatekeepers in school suicide prevention, this study explored teachers' perspectives on what should be done to improve current suicide prevention efforts. The study, in Queensland, Australia, was part of a large-scale survey examining teachers' knowledge, attitudes and experience of suicidality. One hundred and fifteen teachers responded to an online survey question regarding their views on the requirements for school suicide prevention. Qualitative analysis identified five themes from teachers' responses: awareness and stigma reduction, support services for students, education and training, bullying and the role of social media. The results of this study provide some profound insights into teachers' perspectives on suicide and highlight the critical need for improved suicide prevention efforts in schools.

Keywords: Australia; adolescents; children; schools; suicide prevention; teachers.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Awareness
  • Bullying*
  • Child
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Qualitative Research
  • Queensland
  • School Teachers*
  • Social Media*
  • Social Stigma*
  • Social Support*
  • Students
  • Suicide Prevention*
  • Teacher Training*