b'Sample Media StatementTo be provided to local media outlets either upon request or proactively.School staff were informed that a [AGE]-year-old student at [SCHOOL NAME] has died. The cause of death was suicide. Our thoughts and support go out to their family and friends at this difficult time. The school will be hosting a meeting for parents and others in the community at [DATE/TIME/LOCATION]. Members of the schools Crisis Response Team [OR NAME SPECIFIC MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS] will be present to provide information about common reactions following a suicide, how adults can help youth cope, the emotional needs of adolescents, and the risk factors and warning signs for suicide. They will also address attendees questions and concerns. A meeting announcement has been sent to parents, who can contact school administrators or counselors at [PHONE NUMBER, EXTENSION] or [E-MAIL ADDRESS] for more information.Trained crisis counselors will be available to meet with students and staff starting tomorrow and continuing over the next few weeks as needed.Following is a list of warning signs and steps to take that were developed specifically for youth.Youth Warning Signs What to DoLeaders in the suicide prevention field agree thatIf you notice any of these signs in a student, take these the following warning signs indicate a youngrecommended steps right away:person may be at risk for suicide:1. Do not leave the student alone and unsupervised. Make sure the student is Talking about or making plans for suicide in a secure environment supervised by caring adults until they can be seen by the school mental health contact.Expressing hopelessness about the future2. Make sure the student is escorted to the schools mental health Displaying severe/overwhelming emotionalprofessional.pain or distress3. Provide any additional information to the schools mental health contact that will assist with the assessment of the student.What to DoShowing worrisome behavioral cues or marked1. Ask if the student is okay or if they are having thoughts of suicide.changes in behavior, particularly in the presence of the warning signs above. Specifically, this2. Express your concern about what you are observing in their behavior.includes significant:3. Listen attentively and nonjudgmentally.Withdrawal from or change in social connections or situations 4. Reflect what the student shares and let the student know they have been heard.Changes in sleep (increased or decreased)5. Tell the student that they are not alone.Anger or hostility that seems out of character or out of context 6. Let the student know there are treatments available that can help.Recent increased agitation or irritability 7. If you or the student are concerned, guide them to additional professional help, or to call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a 24-hour toll-free phone line for people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress: call or text 988 or visit https://988lifeline.org.After a Suicide: A Toolkit for Schools|57'