Understanding and Preventing Suicide in Young Children: What Every Caregiver Should Know
By: Samantha Renner, LMFT
As September marks Suicide Prevention Month, we are reminded of the importance of having open, informed, and compassionate conversations about suicide, especially when it comes to children and adolescents. While discussing suicide can feel uncomfortable or even frightening, understanding the risks and warning signs can make a life-saving difference.
According to data collection done by the Children’s Hospital Association (2025), there has been an increase in suicidal risk and death in youth. Data revealed that roughly one-fifth of all adolescent deaths are related to suicide (Children’s Hospital Association, 2025). Further, in 2024, the Pediatric Health Information System (n.d.) reported that one-third of child hospitalizations were suicide or self-injuries. In addition to these statistics, Center for Disease Control (2024) consistently reports that suicide is the second leading cause of death among children 10-14 and the third leading cause of death among those 15-24 years old. These numbers represent more than statistics; they reflect lives cut short, families grieving, and communities left asking what could have been done differently. The good news? We can take steps toward prevention by fostering open dialogue, knowing the warning signs, and ensuring young people feel seen, supported, and safe.
So, what can caregivers and teachers do?
Most importantly, we can begin to gently open the conversation around suicide. It is important to know that talking about suicide does not cause suicide. In fact, it can be a crucial step toward healing and support. When we allow for suicide to be an open conversation, we allow children to feel comfortable with sharing their feelings and asking questions without fear of judgment or punishment. Now, this does not mean we need to include the topic in all our dinner conversations; however, it does mean we need to check in with our children and know the warning signs. A simple question, “How have you been feeling lately? Have you ever felt really sad or like you didn’t want to be here?” can make all the difference.
Early recognition is key. Noticing yellow and red flags is the first step in connecting our children with the care they need. Some key red flags are:
Increased withdrawal from others
Feeling out of place or that they do not belong
Feeling as though they are a burden
Increased worthlessness or hopelessness
Increased aggression
Increased experiences of bullying or difficulty connecting with others
Increased depression or anxiety
Self harm
Talking about death more frequently
It is developmentally appropriate for young children to explore the concept of death, especially if they have experienced a loss in their family or community, or are exposed to media with themes of death. However, when concerns about suicide arise, increased talk about death often appears alongside several of the other warning signs mentioned above.
When a child expresses thoughts of suicide or shows concerning behavior, how we respond matters deeply. Stay calm, curious, listen with empathy, and validate their feelings, even if you do not fully understand where they are coming from. It is essential to remain nonjudgmental and to take young people seriously. Avoid minimizing their emotions or rushing to offer solutions. Simply opening the conversation, listening, empathizing, and creating space to talk can significantly reduce the intensity of what they are experiencing. Instead, focus on connection first:
“I’m so glad you told me. That must feel really heavy to carry. I want to help you feel supported and safe.”
Once a child feels heard, you can guide them toward professional support. Mental health providers, pediatricians, and school-based counselors can assess risk, provide safety planning, and offer evidence-based care. Suicide prevention is not only a family concern; it is a community effort. Schools, youth organizations, faith groups, and health systems all play vital roles in normalizing conversations about mental health, reducing stigma, and building networks of support.
Ultimately, the most important role of parents and caregivers is to listen, validate, and connect the child with the right support, giving them a safe space to explore and express their feelings.
Starting conversations about suicide can feel daunting, but silence carries far greater risks. When we talk openly, listen deeply, and respond with care, we create a safety net for children and remind them that their lives matter deeply.
So, what can play therapists do?
Play therapists may encounter children who express suicidal ideation either directly through words or indirectly through play behaviors and play themes. These moments can be distressing for the play therapist and require a balance of clinical skill, emotional regulation, and professional support.
There are immediate responses that play therapists can utilize in the play therapy room:
Stay calm and grounded: the play therapist’s ability to remain calm and composed helps the child feel safe and prevents escalation of fear or distress
Acknowledge the communication/feeling: reflect what the child has expressed, whether verbally or symbolically, to validate their feelings without judgment
Assess for safety: use developmentally appropriate questions to clarify the level of risk.
The following steps include:
Engage caregivers: share concerns with caregivers promptly and collaboratively, which may include providing psychoeducation, referrals, and resources.
Consultation/supervision: if uncertain about risk level or next steps, or there is a desire to debrief, consult with a trusted person as soon as possible.
This may need to include reviewing and following agency protocols and state regulations.
Documentation: document observations, assessment, actions taken, and consultation thoroughly.
Experiencing SI in the play therapy room can evoke strong emotional reactions. Therapists may feel fear, guilt, or anxiety about missing signs. Engaging in self-care practices such as debriefing with a trusted colleague, utilizing mindfulness techniques, for example, can help support in moments of distress. This may also include professional support, such as therapy or peer consultation, to process the experience and residual feelings and thoughts that exist.
If you or a loved one is concerned about someone struggling with suicidal ideation or self-harm harm please contact:
911 or your nearest emergency room
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The Trevor Project
National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)
References:
Center for Disease Control. (2024). About multiple causes of death, 2018-2022. Department of Health and Human Services, National Center for Health Statistics, National Vital Statistics System. https://wonder.cdc.gov/mcd-icd10-expanded.html
Children’s Hospital Association. (2025). Addressing pediatric suicide. Children’s Hospital Association. https://www.childrenshospitals.org/content/behavioral-health/summary/the-state-of-pediatric-suicide
