What to Do When a Student Attempts Suicide? Schools Get a New Crisis Plan

Peaasi.ee has published a crisis guide for schools facing one of the most difficult situations in education: a student’s suicide attempt or deliberate self-harm. The guide gives schools a clear plan for what to do when such a crisis occurs.

The material defines staff responsibilities, explains when and how to inform parents, and sets out ways to assess risks. It also addresses how schools should support the student, their family, classmates, and staff affected by the incident. The aim is to ensure that teachers and school leaders do not have to search for solutions alone during an intensely sensitive situation.

The guide rests on four principles: putting the wellbeing of the child and others affected first, cooperating among all parties, maintaining an informed and stigma-free approach, and protecting privacy and confidentiality. It is intended for general education schools and vocational schools, but can also be adapted for youth centres and hobby schools.

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The guide gives the school clarity about who does what, when and how to notify the parent, how to assess risks, and how to support the child, their family, and classmates and staff affected by what happened.

Peaasi.ee recommends incorporating the plan into each institution’s existing crisis arrangements and practising its elements regularly with staff. Project manager Anna-Liisa Leppik said the guide is not expected to be needed often, but rehearsals can provide readiness and confidence when a critical situation arises. The material was developed with practitioners who have dealt with similar incidents.

Peaasi.ee is also preparing exercises for schools, with the first sessions planned for this year. A webinar for educational institutions will take place on Sept. 10, International Suicide Prevention Day. The article cites statistics showing that suicide is among the leading causes of death among teenagers, accounting for nearly a quarter of deaths among 10- to 19-year-olds in 2024. It says suicide attempts are estimated to occur nearly 10 times more often.

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Because critical situations occur relatively rarely, practising provides the necessary readiness and confidence for a crisis situation.