We support two legislative proposals that address suicide awareness and prevention in Missouri schools, without creating yet another burden for educators.
Separate Senate bills were advanced last week to the House. One is a measure by state Sen. Jamilah Nasheed, D-St. Louis, to require state colleges and universities to advise students and staff on suicide prevention programs. A separate measure by state Sen. Jill Schupp, D-Creve Coeur, addresses similar prevention initiatives in elementary and secondary schools.
The need for greater suicide awareness and prevention efforts, particularly those directed toward young people, is undeniable.
According to Missouri Department of Mental Health statistics updated in July 2015:
• Suicides in Missouri outnumbered homicides by more than two to one - 958 vs. 390 - in 2013.
• More Missourians died by suicide than by motor vehicle accidents- 958 vs. 757.
• Among Missouri youth/young adults ages 15-24, suicide was the second leading cause of death.
Nasheed's bill would require higher education institutions to provide all incoming students with information about depression and suicide prevention resources available to them and post the information on the school's website.
Under Schupp's bill, elementary and secondary schools would adopt or modify model policies created by the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. In addition, professional development opportunities would be available for teachers to spot suicidal tendencies and signs.
We always are circumspect about legislation that requires educators to take on additional parental and social responsibilities. Our concern is each new mandate further dilutes the time teachers may devote to teaching, which is their occupation and responsibility.
These two measures, however, appear largely directed toward administrators and counselors; Schupp's bill does offer an option for teachers to learn more about suicide, but it is an opportunity, not a requirement.
We encourage lawmakers to approve these bills that recognize helping troubled students is a prerequisite for educating them.