This study evaluated the development of the concept of suicide in 60 children. 20 children in each of Grades 1, 3 & 5 were interviewed using open-ended & structured questions. 10% of first graders, 50% of third graders & 95% of fifth graders had a basic understanding of suicide. Attitudes toward suicide were either neutral or negative. When only simple correlations were considered, age is significantly related, as are experiences with suicide & cognitive development for the entire sample.