Suicide Among Elementary School Children: A Serious Concern for Counselors

Causes of childhood suicidal behavior are difficult to identify & evaluate; however, comparisons of suicidal & non-suicidal children indicate suicidal children are more depressed, exhibit more risk taking behavior & have a history of family problems which may include parental mental illness, divorce, alcoholism, & loss of grandparents. Implications for counsellors include the teaching of coping & problem-solving behavior & the assessment of the need for family counselling.(NBB)