A bill that passed the state Senate on Thursday would require educators who teach students in grades 6- 12 to participate in four hours of youth suicide awareness and prevention training every five years.
Senate Bill 1793, sponsored by Sen. Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park), now moves to the House for consideration, according to a statement from the senator’s office.
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among people between 15-34 in Illinois. More than 14 percent of high school students have considered suicide and almost 7 percent have attempted it, the statement said.
“Our children shouldn’t ever feel like they don’t have any other avenue than to take such drastic steps. This legislation will help us catch early warning signs and arm teachers with the tools they need to help students,” Cullerton said.
“The statistics are alarming. Suicide is preventable and we need to ensure our children have the necessary protections in place as well as reassurance that there is someone to turn to.”
