In K12 systems committed to student wellbeing, suicide prevention cannot exist as a standalone initiative. It must be embedded within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports, or MTSS, and grounded in strong partnerships with families.  

When districts intentionally align communication, engagement, and prevention efforts, they send a unified message that student wellness is everyone’s responsibility. Within our Multi-Tiered Suicide Prevention (MTSP) for Schools service, we assist our district teams in these efforts.  

Below are some tips and strategies for creating new tools, resources, and strategies to do this work effectively.  

Using Safe Messaging and Clear Guidance

At the core of effective communication is safe messaging, particularly when it involves student mental health. We should increase awareness of suicide prevention, not simply focus on suicide itself, and should be grounded in best practices. This includes backing up “why” statements with relevant data and examples, while ensuring statistics are part of a broader conversation about student wellness rather than the sole focus.  

Within an MTSS framework, this supports Tier 1 universal prevention, for example, by promoting protective factors, mental health literacy, and early help seeking behaviors. To ensure consistency, districts may benefit from developing shared messaging guidance, sample language, and common presentation materials that schools can adapt while maintaining alignment to best practices. The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention offers messaging resources for schools.

Anchoring Communication in Comprehensive Prevention

District and school teams can anchor communication around the six key components of school suicide prevention and clearly describe the mental health promotion and suicide prevention activities already in place. Families are more likely to engage when they understand that prevention is comprehensive, proactive, and integrated into the school’s overall student support system.  

Clear communication plans and shared materials can help ensure that this message is consistent across schools. Our free MTSP Environmental Assessment Tool can also help in establishing what is already being done across the district, and which areas might need improvement, including communication with families. Assessment findings can guide refinement of outreach strategies and identify opportunities to strengthen alignment.

Meeting Families Where They Are

Effective engagement is also best when we meet families where they are. Schools can incorporate prevention messaging into freshman orientation, health events, senior transition activities, and other regularly scheduled gatherings. Sporting events, theater productions, music programs, and parent teacher conferences offer additional touchpoints.  

In our work with district teams across four states, sporting events are often cited as a very useful time and location to provide handouts and other information, as well as engage with families about the topic of mental health. By integrating education and awareness into existing events, districts normalize the conversation and reduce stigma, particularly when events are framed as promoting student wellness, supporting youth transitions, or keeping students safe.  

For families with a child who may be in crisis, it is important to know in advance what supportive resources are available, such as the free After Your Child’s Suicide Attempt film and companion resources.

Using Multiple Communication Formats and Two-Way Engagement

Format matters. Outreach may include newsletters, emails, webinars, presentations, or informal drop-in sessions. Using multiple forms of communication ensures broader access and reinforces key messages.  

Schools should also invest in two-way communication with families and community partners. Providing opportunities for family feedback, inviting family members to wellness teams, and engaging stakeholders such as bus drivers, lunch staff, and school administrators for input strengthens alignment and builds trust.

Addressing Barriers and Ensuring Equity

Addressing common barriers is essential for equitable engagement. Districts should accommodate differences in language, culture, religion, and economic status. They should clarify privacy issues and avoid unintentionally alienating families by moving too quickly or pushing too hard.  

In some contexts, even avoiding the word suicide in event titles may increase participation. When schools go to parents rather than expecting parents to come to them, they demonstrate cultural responsiveness and shared ownership. Thoughtful planning and culturally responsive outreach materials can help districts ensure that engagement efforts are accessible and inclusive.

Continuous Improvement and Shared Ownership

Finally, continuous improvement must guide the work. We should ask whether there are multiple avenues for ongoing two-way communication. Are families true partners in shaping goals and strategies? Do they actively participate in committees for social emotional learning, wellness, or mental health? Are there meaningful opportunities for all families to learn about and contribute to student wellness efforts?  

When family engagement is intentional, strategic, and embedded within a comprehensive MTSS framework, schools create a protective network around students. By aligning communication with prevention efforts and prioritizing partnership, districts strengthen both trust and impact, ultimately helping to keep students safe, connected, and supported.