Student Suicide Prevention Awareness Act of 2026

Section 2 requires carrying out a public awareness campaign on youth suicide prevention resources, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and provides support to schools to update signage relating to the availability of these resources. This could be considered positive because it helps ensure that schools have clear information to share with students.

Section 2 mandates that signage include the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline phone number, information on how students can access support by calling, texting, or using digital chat services, and language encouraging students experiencing emotional distress to seek help. This is beneficial as it gives students direct, practical ways to get support.

Section 2 specifies that signs must indicate that the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is free, confidential, and available 24 hours per day and 7 days per week. This is a positive detail because it removes common barriers and fears students might have about cost or privacy when seeking help.

Section 2 requires signs to be displayed or digitally posted in locations easily visible to students, including entrances and exits, student common areas, counselor and nurse offices, gymnasiums, auditoriums, art and music rooms, libraries, restrooms, locker rooms, and digital school bulletin boards. This is helpful because placing signs in these widespread areas increases the likelihood that students will see the information when they need it.