Preadolescent suicide, though estimated to be less than 1% of all completions, is a growing problem in North America. Several high risk factors including depression, family pathology & a child’s cognitive concept of death have been cited as correlates of suicide, but have yet to be substantiated. Educators can play an important preventative role by referring children who threaten or attempt suicide to the school counsellor or the community mental health facility. (18 refs.)