Suicide prevention lessons could be made compulsory

SUICIDE prevention lessons could be made compulsory in schools after a campaign by three bereaved fathers.

Nick Gibb, the schools minister, said the Government’s fast-tracked review of relationships, sex and health education (RSHE) would explore the issue as a “priority”.

But he warned the move should be given careful thought prior to any final decision, as poor teaching about suicide had the potential “to do harm”.

MPS debated the issue in Westminster Hall on Monday after an online petition in support of the change secured more than 150,000 signatures.

The campaign is being led by Mike Palmer, Andy Airey and Tim Owen – also known as the “Three Dads Walking” – who have joined forces to raise awareness of suicide in young people after their daughters – Beth, Sophie and Emily –took their own lives.

Earlier this month, Gillian Keegan, the Education Secretary, wrote to the three fathers to say suicide prevention would be a “key subject” covered in the RSHE review, which has been brought forward from the autumn. A decision on whether to include more content on the topic will be made once the work has concluded. Mr Gibb said the issue would be a “priority area” in the review.

He added: “The RSHE statutory guidance is clear that the subject of suicide and self-harm can be discussed as part of this topic, but it is important that teachers approach this very carefully – as we have to acknowledge that taught badly, it has the potential to do harm.”

While schools must cover “mental wellbeing”, the existing statutory guidance does not explicitly require teaching on suicide awareness.

However, it does mention that students may raise the subject themselves.

Opening the debate, Nick Fletcher, the Tory MP, said the professionals he spoke to agreed the topic should be part of the curriculum from Year 7, and then revisited during secondary school. Other MPS shared moving stories of how they had lost loved ones to suicide.

A government spokesman said: “All children are taught about mental health, including topics relating to suicide prevention, as part of the mandatory relationships, sex and health education curriculum.”