Signs of Suicide or SOS is an evidence-based prevention program that has been used in thousands of schools around the country for decades. Independent peer-reviewed research has documented improvement in students’ knowledge and adaptive attitudes about depression and suicide as well as a 64% reduction in self-reported suicide attempts following the program (Schilling et al. 2016).
London City Schools is in its 7th year providing SOS, launching it this school year for the 8th grade (10/3 & 10/4), 10th grade (10/24 & 10/25), and 5th grade (11/28 & 11/29).
Through the program students learn:
that depression is treatable, so they are encouraged to seek help
how to identify depression and potential suicide risk in themselves or a friend
to ACT (Acknowledge, Care, Tell a trusted adult) if concerned about themselves or a friend
who they can turn to at school for help if they need it
Please visit www.sossignsofsuicide.org/parent for information on warning signs for youth suicide, useful resources, and some of the key messages students will learn. Also included is a link to an informational flier specifically created for parents and caregivers. Parent-Caregiver-Handout-2023.pdf
We are also including a link to "A parent-caregiver training resource" from our partners at Nationwide Children’s Hospital to register for a virtual presentation to learn more about suicide prevention. Caregiver Night Flyer with Zoom Links (2023-2024).pdf