“It's like an epidemic, we don't know what to do”: The perceived need for and benefits of a suicide prevention programme in UK schools

Abstract

Background

Despite emerging evidence for the effectiveness of school-based suicide prevention programmes worldwide, there are few being implemented in the United Kingdom, and their social validity (i.e., the feasibility, acceptability, and utility) is not yet known.

Aims

We aimed to conduct a scoping study to determine: (1) the social validity and potential benefits of school-based suicide prevention interventions, (2) the perceived need for such interventions, and (3) barriers and facilitators to implementation.

Sample and Methods

A total of 46 participants took part. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with mental health professionals (N = 8), school staff (N = 8), and parents whose children had experienced suicidal ideation/behaviours (N = 3) in England. Focus groups were also completed with children and young people (N = 27) aged 15–18 across three state secondary schools. Data were analysed using thematic framework analysis.

Results

Three themes were identified: (1) the need for and importance of suicide prevention in children and young people, (2) schools as a setting for delivery, and (3) key components of suicide prevention programmes.

Conclusions

Participants overwhelmingly agreed that there is a need for a greater and more consistent emphasis on school-based suicide prevention. School appears to be an acceptable location for suicide prevention, and participants felt discussions about suicide should begin at the start of secondary school. However, there are potential barriers that need to be considered, including tailoring for neurodiversity, challenging cultural/family beliefs and stigma, managing personal experiences of suicidal thoughts or previous bereavement from suicide, and a lack of existing training for school staff.