New online course: Understanding and responding to childhood suicidal ideation

In 2023, suicide-related concerns were raised in 11,743 (16%) of Kids Helpline counselling contacts (Kids Helpline, 2023). Research also shows that in children and young people there are approximately 100–200 suicide attempts for every one suicide (Suicide Prevention Australia, 2021). These figures indicate that distress and despair are experienced by many young Australians. As such, it is important for practitioners working with children and families to understand how suicidal ideation can affect children and how to respond to it.

Our new online course, Understanding and responding to childhood suicidal ideation, provides tools to support children who may be experiencing persistent distress and a sense of despair. It includes research, interviews and fictional demonstrations focused on four key practice skills:

• Sitting with distress and despair
• Listening and seeking to understand children’s experiences
• Facilitating children’s assessment of the problem
• Connecting values and actions.

Children may endure prolonged distress in isolation, which can lead to despair and suicidal ideation. When practitioners focus on building connection and listening rather than taking immediate action, they create a safe space for children to feel heard and express their distress in their own way. By exploring and seeking to understand children’s expressions, practitioners gain valuable insights into the challenges children face, what it takes to manage these challenges, and the supports they may need.

Check out Understanding and responding to childhood suicidal ideation to learn more about the knowledges and strategies that can help you to support the mental health and wellbeing of children dealing with distress and despair.