Talking About SUICIDE With Kids
by Amelia Roessler
16 SEPTEMBER 2026 | BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM Suicide exists on a spectrum. From thoughts about dying (suicidal ideation) to suicide attempts and death by suicide, experts emphasize that any mention of suicide should be taken seriously and deserves T here may be no conversation a parent fears more than asking, “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?” It’s a question many parents hope they will never have to ask—but mental health experts say asking directly, calmly, and without judgment can save a child’s life. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for 10- to 19-year-olds and it affects people of all backgrounds—no one is immune. But most children and adolescents who attempt suicide show warning signs, and it is vital that families are aware of these signs and discuss concerns, ideally prior to a life-threatening mental health crisis. UNDERSTANDING SUICIDE According to research by the Nationwide Children’s Hospital, suicide attempts are far more common than deaths by suicide, but any suicidal behavior is serious and can have lasting consequences. Most teens who are suicidal do not actually wish to die, but they are in severe emotional pain and want the pain to stop. They may not know how to move forward and are unsure if there are ways to feel better. The good news is that suicides are largely preventable through early identification, timely treatment, and support from families, schools, friends, and communities.
immediate attention. While the prevalence of mental health disorders and rates of suicide increase as children grow older, recent research suggests that about five percent of 9- and 10-year-olds have experienced thoughts of suicide. Myth: Talking about suicide puts the idea in a child’s head. Fact: Research consistently shows asking directly does not increase suicidal thoughts. For children who have a hard time admitting they need help, having a conversation sends the message that a parent cares very much about them, and that struggling and asking for help is okay—asking can be lifesaving. SEE THE SIGNS When a child talks about or posts online or on social media about wanting to die or hurt themselves on purpose, it’s important that family members, caring adults, and friends respond. Often, children expressing themselves through such ideas are typically experiencing emotional distress and may not know the skills or tools to use to help them through these stressful experiences. Speaking to a therapist, pediatrician, or a primary care provider can be another great step. The following warning signs, provided by the Nationwide Children’s Hospital, indicate that a youth is severely depressed or at risk for suicide and should be responded to immediately:
hopeless, trapped, or like they are “a burden” to others.
• Looking for ways to kill themselves by gathering medications, sharp objects, or firearms or searching online for ways to end their life. • Expressing unbearable emotional pain • Visiting or calling people to say “goodbye.” • Giving away prized possessions • Suddenly becoming calm or cheerful after a long period of depression The following warning signs indicate that a youth may be struggling with depression, which requires evaluation by a mental health professional: • Feeling sad or irritable more often than not • Sleeping or eating more or less than usual • Showing little to no interest in pleasurable activities • Withdrawing from others • Participating in reckless behavior that is out of character • Engaging in self-injurious behavior Apart from the signs, there are also some risk factors that may make some people more vulnerable to suicide that families and parents should keep in mind. According to Child Mind Institute, a family history of suicide, bullying, and access to things like firearms and pills can all be factors that may put a child at risk.
KNOWING THE AGE DIFFERENCE
Ages 3–6 Can young children understand death?
• Talking to others or posting on social media about: suicide or wanting to die or feeling
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