Suicide prevention guidelines announced for schools

The Government has today published new national guidelines on suicide prevention in post-primary schools.

They include guidelines on dealing with the mental health of all students, as well as guidelines on supports for students who show early signs of mental health problems and those with more complex or long-term needs.

The Minister for Mental Health Kathleen Lynch has said schools that need additional help will receive training and support in implementing the guidelines.

Ireland has the fourth highest rate of youth suicide in Europe. It is among the top five causes of death in teenagers aged between 15 and 19.