If a student threatens suicide, what is the appropriate action to take?

When a student threatens suicide, the most appropriate action is to call for help immediately. This is because threats of suicide indicate that the individual may be in serious distress and could be at risk of harming themselves. Prompt intervention is essential in these situations. By calling for help, you are engaging authorities or mental health professionals who are trained to handle crises effectively and can provide the necessary support for the student.

Encouraging the student to talk about their feelings may be helpful in building rapport, but it is crucial not to delay seeking professional help. Telling the student to stay put while you find assistance could lead to an unnecessary delay in intervention, which might escalate the situation. Ensuring the student is alone for privacy is not advisable, as it could leave them isolated and without immediate support. Therefore, initiating immediate contact with the appropriate resources is the safest and most responsible course of action.