School Mental Health Crisis Communication: What to Send Families After a Serious Student Incident

Few school communications are as consequential as those sent after a student mental health crisis. Done poorly, crisis communication can increase student distress, spread misinformation, or in cases involving suicide, contribute to contagion effects. Done well, it provides accurate information, reduces anxiety, and connects students and families to support resources at the moment they are most needed.

The following guidance is informed by safe messaging guidelines from mental health organizations and school crisis communication best practices. Schools facing a crisis should also contact their district office and mental health professionals for real-time guidance.

Safe Messaging Principles

When communicating about a student mental health crisis, especially one involving self-harm or suicide, follow these principles. Do not describe the method or location in detail. Do not characterize the event as heroic, romantic, or as a response to bullying that the school failed to prevent. Do not speculate about cause before facts are confirmed. Always include specific crisis resources in every communication.

These principles exist because research shows that the way a school community discusses a student's death affects whether other vulnerable students are at elevated risk.

The Initial Communication

Send the first communication as soon as possible after the school administration has confirmed the basic facts. Include: what happened at the level of detail that is accurate and appropriate to share, how the school is supporting students today, and where families can access mental health support. Do not include details that are still being confirmed.

The initial communication should be brief. Its purpose is to acknowledge the situation and prevent harmful speculation from filling the information vacuum. More detailed information comes in subsequent communications as the school responds.

Warning Signs Families Should Watch For

After a community mental health crisis, other students may be at elevated risk. The newsletter should include a brief list of warning signs families should monitor at home: expressions of hopelessness, talking about death or dying, withdrawal from activities and relationships, giving away possessions, and saying goodbye in unusual ways.

Support Resources

Include specific resources in every crisis communication. The national crisis hotline (988 in the US). The school counseling office hours for the following week. Any additional mental health resources the school is making available. Families should not have to search for help at a moment when they are already distressed.