Listener Q&A — Suicide at Child's High School

A student dies by suicide. Suddenly every parent is asking the same question: What do I say to my child?

Justin and Kylie tackle one of the toughest conversations a parent can face. They unpack the latest research, explain why children can be deeply affected even if they didn't know the student, and share practical ways to start the conversation without making things worse.

You'll hear what to say, what to avoid, the warning signs to watch for, and where to turn if your child needs extra support.

KEY POINTS

• Why every child in a school community can be affected, even if they never met the student.
• The age group most at risk after a school suicide.
• Why asking about suicidal thoughts does not increase the risk.
• What to say when your child asks why it happened.
• How to handle social media, rumours and memorial pages.
• The warning signs that tell you it's time to get extra support.
• Services that can help children and parents.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

"Walk towards conversations, not away from them. Ask the direct question, stay calm, and keep asking gently for as long as it takes."

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Lifeline
• Kids Helpline
• Parentline
• Suicide Call Back Service
• 13YARN
• Headspace School Support
• CHATSafe Guidelines
• StandBy Support After Suicide
• Your GP and a Mental Health Care Plan

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

• Ask what children at school are saying and listen without interrupting.
• Correct rumours with calm, factual information.
• Ask directly if your child has had thoughts of suicide if you're worried.
• Stay with your child while they scroll through social media and talk about what they see.
• Keep checking in over the weeks and months ahead.
• Contact your GP or another mental health professional if you notice changes in mood, behaviour or sleep.

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