GUIDELINES ON SUICIDE prevention will be issued to all secondary schools in the New Year.
A spokesperson for the Department of Education told TheJournal.ie that “Well-Being in Post-Primary Schools- Guidelines for Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention” is currently “being finalised”.
The Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn and Minister of State with responsibility for Mental Health, Kathleen Lynch are to issue the guidelines.
It comes after two sisters, Erin and Shannon Gallagher, from Donegal are believed to have died by suicide. Shannon, 15, was found dead by a foster family just seven weeks after Erin. It is believed that Erin experienced cyber bullying in the months before her death.
Both sisters were students at Finn Valley College in Stranorlar.
Support
The HSE is advising parents to be aware of their children’s reactions following a traumatic event.
Parents who are worried about their teenagers and how they are coping should talk to their GP. Your GP will discuss your concerns with you and make a referral to an appropriate HSE service if that is required.
If you feel you need to speak with someone, call one of the numbers below:
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