If you are concerned that your child is having suicidal thoughts, this page will provide information on what to look for, how to talk about it, and how to provide short-term help to your child. If you fear for your child’s immediate safety, call 911. If you are unsure where to get help for your child or your child has asked to talk to someone, the Chimo Helpline (1-800-667-5005) is available 24/7. 
Researched and Written by Sara Gourley & Sarah Craig
​Translated into French by Chloé Cherpin

​Myths about Child Suicide

Fact

In 2018, the rate of completed suicide of children aged 10-14 was 2.2 per 100,000 persons and less than 1 per 100,000 for children under the age of 10. Research suggests that the number of child suicides may be underestimated due to child death’s reported as accidental. 

Fact

Suicide is the second leading cause of death amongst adolescents aged 14-19.

Fact

By the ages of 6-12, most children do understand the concepts of dying or hurting oneself. Children can be exposed to death and suicide through family and the media.

Fact

Children can plan and attempt suicide. Depending on their age, they may use less complex methods such as hanging or suffocation compared to teens who may use substances, self-harm, or firearms. 

Fact

There are a variety of other factors that can put a child at risk for suicide (discussed below).

Fact

Talking about suicide does not give someone the idea for suicide and can build trust and open communication by showing concern for their well being. 

Risk Factors for Suicide

​Risk factors are things that increase a person’s chance of having suicidal thoughts and behaviours. Listed below are risk factors for all ages and additional ones for children (under 12 years of age). 
  • Previous suicide attempts or thoughts
  • Self-harm (e.g., substance abuse, cutting, burning, throwing oneself down stairs)

  • Depressive symptoms (including hopelessness and sadness)
  • Recent traumatic life events (loss of a loved one or pet abuse or neglect)

  • Major life changes (moving, switching schools, parents' divorce)
  • Family history of mental health issues

  • Giving away possessions or saying goodbyes 
  • Changes in school attendance or schoolwork quality

  • Withdrawal from family or social activities
  • Recent suicide in the family, community, or media
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  • Lack of social support (from friends, family, the community)​ ​
  • Preoccupation with death (in writing, conversation, drawing)
  • Aggression or disruptive behaviours 
  • Irritability 

  • Impulsivity & sensation-seeking
  • Sleep disruption

  • Dangerous play (e.g. the choking game)  
  • Bullying from peers 
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  • Family conflict – abuse, neglect, fighting​
  • Inability to express intense emotions 

Talking About Suicide

While talking about suicide can be difficult and uncomfortable, it is very important. Your job is not to fix all of the child’s problems all at once but to provide a caring and non-judgmental space for them to share their feelings. 
Tell your child you’ve noticed that they have been a little down lately or acting differently but do not judge them. An example of a judgmental phrase would be saying something like “you have so much to be grateful for, how can you feel depressed?”
Ask directly if they have had thoughts of harming themselves or dying OR if they have engaged in self-harm or suicidal behaviours.
  • If they answer yes, ask if they have a plan and what that plan is.
  • If your child says yes to having suicidal thoughts and a plan do NOT leave them alone unless absolutely necessary (i.e., to call 911).
Tell them that lots of people have thoughts like this and it is okay that you feel this way, tell them you have hope that things can get better.
Let them know that help is available, and you will support them as they get help for their mental health .
If at any time you feel distressed and need someone to talk to reach out to a friend, family members, or call Chimo anytime of day.

Safety Planning & Immediate Help

A safety plan is used in times of crisis and involves multiple ways a person can help themselves and reach out for help when having thoughts of suicide. A safety plan is meant to be used by the person in crisis and should be made together with your child. Your child may go through all of the outlined steps or only need the first few depending on the crisis.

A safety plan is not a long-term solution for underlying mental health issues or other risk factors, it is designed to help keep the child safe in the interim.  Additional help and resources should be sought out and Chimo can help provide information on local resources. If you feel like there is immediate danger to your child’s life always call 911.

Additional Resources


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Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns with the information presented here, please feel free to contact us at 506-450-2937 or email us at chimo1@nb.aibn.com

If you have concerns about someone having suicidal thoughts or you are having suicidal thoughts, please call our helpline at 1-800-667-5005 anytime of day or by live chat from 5:00 pm to midnight. For immediate help in a life-threatening situation, call 911.

References

  • Pettit, J. W., Buitron, V., & Green, K. L. (2018). Assessment and management of suicide risk in children and adolescents. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 25(4), 460–472. 

  • Sarkar, M., Byrne, P., Power, L., Fitzpatrick, C., Anglim, M., Boylan, C., & Morgan, S. (2010). Are suicidal phenomena in children different to suicidal phenomena in adolescents? A six-year review. Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 15(4), 197–203.

  • Stanley, B., & Brown, G. K. (2012). Safety planning intervention: A brief intervention to mitigate suicide risk. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 19(2), 256–264. 


  • Tishler, C., Reiss, N. and Rhodes, A. (2007). Suicidal behavior in children younger than twelve: A diagnostic challenge for emergency department personnel. Academic Emergency Medicine. 14(9):810-818.
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  • Whalen, D. J., Dixon-Gordon, K., Belden, A. C., Barch, D., & Luby, J. L. (2015). Correlates and consequences of suicidal cognitions and behaviors in children ages 3 to 7 years. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 54(11), 926–937.