The Protocol after a student’s (attempted) suicide supports MBO schools in communicating as effectively as possible after a student’s (attempted) suicide. Although the protocol was developed with and for MBO schools, it can also be used by other schools with some adaptations.

Actions, sample texts, communication guidelines, and tips

The protocol consists of two extensive lists of concrete actions to take after a student’s suicide and after a suicide attempt. In the case of a suicide, the protocol describes the actions to take in the following situations: immediately after the incident is reported, later the same day, between the death and the funeral, after the funeral, and in the long term. The various actions include points of attention, instructions, and tips.

Several tools in the protocol provide additional depth and support for the actions described in the protocol. These include communication guidelines, sample texts, advice on how to conduct a class discussion or inform staff, and how to deal with (social) media. The school can tailor the protocol in advance. A suicide attempt or suicide always comes unexpectedly, and being well prepared is therefore extremely valuable. For example, the school is encouraged to record in advance who will carry out which action, who will be part of the crisis team, and to contact relevant external parties.

Contents of the Protocol

  • Preparatory actions to tailor the protocol to the school
  • Tools for preparatory actions
    • Form the crisis team
    • Identify relevant external parties
  • Overview of all actions after a student’s suicide
  • Protocol after a student’s suicide
  • Overview of all actions after a student’s suicide attempt
  • Protocol after a student’s suicide attempt
  • Tools for protocols
    • Dealing with the media
    • Communication guidelines in the event of suicide
    • Inform, instruct, and support staff
    • Inform and support students
    • Possible reactions of students to the news: how can you deal with them?
    • Inform and support parents of classmates and other students
  • Sample texts
    • Sample text for parents: the cause of death may be mentioned
    • Sample text for parents: the cause of death may not be mentioned
    • Sample text for students other than classmates
    • Sample text for students and school staff with follow-up information

MBO schools can download the ‘Protocol after a student’s (attempted) suicide’ free of charge. Other schools can also use this protocol after making some adaptations. The Trimbos Institute recommends that schools start working on the preparatory actions and share the protocol within the school. This will help the school be better prepared if a suicide or suicide attempt occurs.