Media Guidelines for Schools: Suicide Theme

The Flemish Expertise Center for Suicide Prevention (VLESP) developed advice for teachers and schools who want to introduce the theme of suicide in the classroom by using media such as film, theater and literature. The theme of suicide can be deliberately discussed, for example within a lesson on mental well-being in the philosophy of life or religion lessons, but also unintentionally, for example in literature in the context of the Dutch lessons. Since making suicide a subject of discussion in the classroom can have a preventive effect, but can also have harmful effects, it is important to carefully consider which media are used in class and which are not.

The recommendations help teachers and schools to decide whether or not to use certain materials. They also provide guidance on how to frame and support when it is decided to use certain materials and how to take care of potentially vulnerable pupils and teachers.