How Schools Can Prevent Teen Suicide: Lessons from a Successful Mental Health Program

When teens struggle with suicidal thoughts, too often they confide in peers instead of parents—placing an impossible burden on young shoulders. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Stacy Friedenthal, author of Helping the Suicidal Person, and Dr. Jennifer Shavina, a Wisconsin school psychologist leading a district-wide effort to address student mental health proactively.

Through programs like Signs of Suicide (SOS) screenings, consistent follow-ups, and classroom lessons that normalize seeking help, this school system has created a framework that empowers students to speak up—and saves lives.

Listeners will learn what works in school-based suicide prevention, how peers can responsibly respond to suicidal disclosures, and why mental health education must start early and include families.

Link to Menasha Joint School District website: www.mjsd.k12.wi.us/

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why teens often confide in peers instead of parents about suicidal thoughts
• The risks of “swearing to secrecy” when suicide is involved
• The role of peers vs. adults in suicide prevention
• How school-based screening and support programs can identify at-risk students
• Parent engagement in school mental health initiatives
• Building resilience, communication skills, and a culture of caring in schools
• Budget and resource considerations for districts implementing these programs

Timestamps:

00:08 – Introduction to the podcast and mission
 01:10 – Recap: why teens don’t tell parents about suicidal thoughts
 01:38 – The burden on peers when friends confide suicidal thoughts
 02:18 – “Better mad than dead” – the hard truth of suicide prevention
 02:27 – Dr. Stacy Friedenthal on the risks of secrecy
 04:46 – What to do if a friend discloses suicidal intent
 05:58 – Introduction to Dr. Jennifer Shavina and her school district’s program
 06:25 – Mental health screening and prevention in schools
 07:31 – How staff follow up with at-risk students and families
 07:49 – Teaching students to recognize and report warning signs
 08:38 – Why students feel comfortable reporting concerns
 09:17 – Recognizing subtle signs beyond direct suicide language
 10:02 – Parent reactions and involvement in suicide prevention
 11:00 – Preparing students for resilience and emotional regulation after graduation
 11:44 – Budget and resource challenges for districts
 12:26 – Collaboration and sharing between school districts
 13:11 – Encouragement to find trusted adults beyond parents
 13:23 – Crisis support options and hotline reminder
 13:39 – Teaser for next episode and closing remarks

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