It’s scary to think about, and it could be even scarier to talk about with your own children. But here’s the thing—avoiding the topic doesn’t protect them. Instead, saying “I’m here for you,” can be the lifeline they need.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for children between the ages of 10 and 14 in the United States.1 That’s tough to read. But here’s the good news: prevention works. And many times, it starts at home.
A New World
Today’s children are facing challenges unknown to previous generations—continuous notifications, the stress of social media, the pressure of being “on” all the time. Cyberbullying is common, and with the abundance of phones, their most embarrassing moments can be captured on picture or video. Old stressors are present as well: school performance; the strive to excel at sports; and family, friend, and relationship drama.
- Spending more time alone or pulling away from friends
- Losing interest in activities they used to enjoy
- Sudden mood swings or irritability
- Changes in sleep, eating habits, or hygiene
- Changes in school or extracurricular performance
- “How are you feeling?”
- “How’s school going?”
- “You seem sad. Do you want to talk about it?”
- “Do you want to talk? Can I help with anything?”
- “Are you thinking of suicide?”
- Many people feel uncomfortable asking directedly about suicide but being direct shows your child you are there for them and are not afraid to have this important discussion. Research shows that asking children who are thinking of suicide specifically about it helps in preventing it from occurring.
The point is not to fix everything instantly. It’s to open the door for communication and show them you’re there for them. That connection can happen over meals, while playing sports, or on car rides together. Small moments matter more than we realize.
Keeping Home a Safe Place
Communication is monumental but making sure dangerous things aren’t easy to get to is just as or even more important. Many suicides involve tools that could have been locked away or secured.5
- Keep firearms unloaded, locked, and stored separately from the ammunition
- Lock up medications—both prescription and over-the-counter ones.
- Keep alcohol and other substances out of reach.
Studies show that proper storage of lethal means works similarly to putting a fence around a swimming pool—an extra layer of protection that can save your child’s life when every second counts.6
See Something, Say Something
Children are often the first ones to hear about a friend’s struggles or suicidal thoughts before adult parents. Tell your child: “If you’re worried about a friend, tell a trusted adult right away, even if they asked you to keep it secret. That isn’t tattling; it’s looking out for someone you care about.”
Who should your child turn to?
- A parent or guardian
- A teacher, counselor, or coach
- A healthcare professional
If it feels urgent, tell your child to call or text 988 together, stay with the friend, and reach out to an adult right away. When your child comes to you with a concern, thank them and take it seriously. Speaking up can make all the difference.
If a Crisis Happens
If you or your child need help right away, here are 24/7 resources you can rely on:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988
- Crisis Text Line — Text HOME to 741741
- You can also take them to the nearest emergency room or call 911 or Miami’s Mobile Response Team (800-HELP-YOU (800-435-7968))
If your child is not having an emergency, consider scheduling an appointment with your pediatrician, who can help with resources and treatment for depression. Other resources can be found at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Miami-Dade website.
Hope for the Future
The truth is, talking with your children about suicide will never be easy. But these conversations are possible. Every time you check in, spend time with them, or listen to what your child has to say is another opportunity to give them the support they may need.
Children are resilient. With the right help, they can work through challenges they are facing and continue to move forward. Parents that communicate openly about emotions and challenges with their children give them the message that they have someone to lean on. Together, using the techniques described in this article, we can create a safer Miami where our children feel safe, heard, and loved. We can prevent suicides not just during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month but all year round.
Additional Information
For more information about how to keep your child safe from suicide, call the Injury Free Coalition for Kids, a program of Jackson Hospital and University of Miami Funded by the Children’s Trust at 305-243-9080 or visit www.injuryfree.org.
- Citations
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS). Leading causes of death reports, 1981–2023. Accessed August 18, 2025. webappa.cdc.gov
- Lau, M. (2024) What should I do if my child or Teen is thinking about suicide?, HealthyChildren.org. Available at: healthychildren.org (Accessed: 26 August 2025).
- How and Why the 5 Steps Can Help (2023) #BeThe1To. Available at: bethe1to.com (Accessed: 26 August 2025).
- Teen suicide (2024) Johns Hopkins Medicine. Available at: hopkinsmedicine.org (Accessed: 26 August 2025).
- Miller M, et al. Firearm storage and firearm suicide. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(7):e2519266. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.19266
- Barber CW, Miller MJ. Reducing a suicidal person’s access to lethal means of suicide: A research agenda. Am J Prev Med. 2014;47(3 Suppl 2):S264-S272. doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2014.05.028
