Support Students’ Mental Health During National Suicide Prevention Month

As educators, we are in a unique position to shape the way our students engage with the world, both physically and digitally. September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and it serves as a powerful reminder to prioritize conversations about mental health, particularly when it comes to our students’ digital lives. The online world is where many kids live out significant portions of their day, from social media to gaming, and we, in partnership with parents and guardians, have a responsibility to help them navigate it safely.

One of the most impactful things we can do is talk to our students about how their digital life affects their mental health. Whether it’s the pressures of social media or the isolation that can come from too much screen time, digital experiences play a huge role in how students feel and process the world around them. We must create safe spaces in our classrooms for students to share their experiences, feelings, and concerns about their online interactions.

National Suicide Prevention Month is a critical time to highlight the resources available, like these Resources for Students and Educators from the National Institute of Mental Health, that help teachers understand mental health challenges and give students the tools they need to cope with big feelings like stress and sadness. Resources like the “Jane the Brain” video series, an interactive Kahoot! Quiz for teen depression, and coloring books can make mental health education more accessible and engaging for students.

Our role as educators extends beyond academic content. By opening up discussions about the intersections between mental health and digital life, we can empower students to manage stress, build resilience, and seek help when needed. This month, let’s commit to those conversations—let’s inspire students to take care of their mental well-being, online and offline.