Suicide prevention programs may be either universal (delivered to all children in a given population) or targeted (delivered to those most at risk). Both approaches have a role in preventing youth suicide. Universal programs have the benefits of reaching large numbers of young people without stigmatizing them and without requiring extensive screening efforts.
Of the programs examined by the Children’s Health Policy Centre, Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM) showed the most promise. Self-reported suicide-related outcomes were assessed three and 12 months after students completed the program. At three-month follow-up, there was no significant difference between youth who received YAM and those in the control group regarding suicide attempts (0.9% vs. 1.1%) or severe suicidal ideation in the prior two weeks (1.5% for both groups). However, statistically significant differences did emerge later. By one-year follow-up, 0.7% of youth who participated in YAM had made a suicide attempt compared with 1.5% of youth in the control group. As well, 0.8% of youth who received YAM had experienced severe suicidal ideation in the two weeks prior to the one-year assessment, compared with 1.4% of youth in the control group. These findings suggest that YAM may be especially helpful in reducing suicidality.
For more information, see Vol. 16, No. 4 of the Children’s Mental Health Research Quarterly.