Eight tell-tale warning signs which may indicate a student is considering taking their life are contained in a booklet which is to be issued by the Irish Association of Suicidology (IAS) later this week to all schools in the State.
The comprehensive guidelines have been prepared against a background of increasing rates of suicide in Ireland particularly among men in the 15-24 age group among whom it is the leading cause of death.
In the Republic in 1998 young males are reckoned to be seven times more likely to die by suicide than their female counterparts, Dr John Connolly, secretary of the IAS, said last night.
Of the 105 suicides in this age group in the Republic of Ireland, 84 per cent were male, while in Northern Ireland 78.6 per cent were males.
According to the IAS booklet, the following are the key warning signs of suicidal behaviour: writing about suicide; speaking about suicide; listening to songs praising suicide; art work about suicide; threats and statements of intent; preoccupation with a known suicide; life-threatening risk-taking behaviour and the giving away of possessions .
The guidelines were developed by the IAS following a consultation with teachers and their professional organisations, parents' organisations and various experts in the field as well as an extensive review of the international literature. The guidelines were compiled by the IAS out of concern about suicide among young people and the requests from schools and teachers for information and guidance on how to cope with a pupil who is distressed and threatening suicide.
A multi-disciplinary committee was formed under the chairmanship of Ms Myra Barry, a director of the IAS, to draw up a set of guidelines on Best Practice in Suicide Prevention in schools.
Dr Connolly said the implementation of a national alcohol policy and a change in attitude to alcohol would prove very important.
"In various ways the consumption of alcohol and alcohol abuse are highly associated with suicide and the educational system is the ideal place in which to change this".