Teen Suicide Prevention: Protective Factors

'Protective factors' are personal, behavioral, or situational characteristics that contribute to a student's resiliency and serve as a buffer against some of the factors that can increase risk.

• Contact with a caring adult.
• Sense of connection or participation in school.
• Positive self-esteem and coping skills.
• Access to and care for mental/physical/substance disorders.
• A sense of connection or participation in school.
• Positive self-esteem and good coping skills.
• Access to care for emotional or physical problems, or for substance abuse disorders.
• Cultural or religious beliefs that discourage suicide and promote self-preservation.

One of the most significant protective factors for youth is a caring relationship with an adult, and for many youths that person is a teacher. Follow these tips to foster protective factors in your students:

• Teach students that it is okay to ask for help.
• Give students permission to talk about traumatic events like suicide.
• Help students identify trusted adults.
• Encourage participation in school and community activities.
• Acknowledge student efforts.
• Be a good listener, as often as possible.

More Suicide Prevention and Awareness Resources