by Nick Hanzel-Snyder
With increasing awareness of the importance of mental health and suicide prevention training, more and more US states are passing laws requiring such programs in their schools. Georgia passed in April 2025 House Bill (HB) 268Ricky and Alyssa’s Law, which focuses on school safety and student wellness across the state, including suicide prevention training for students and staff.
Suicide prevention for students
Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, every public school in the state of Georgia must provide at least one hour of suicide awareness and suicide prevention training each year to all students in grades 6 through 12. SOS suicide signs for studentswidely used in Georgian schools, meets these standards. In one class period, SOS teaches middle and high school students how to recognize the warning signs of suicide and depression. A 64% reduction in suicide attempts has been shown in randomized controlled trials.
Ricky and Alyssa’s Law further states that any suicide prevention training should include information on:
- Recognizing symptoms of depression and suicide risk
- Understanding the warning signs that someone may be in danger
- Encouraging help-seeking behavior for self and others, and
- Connect with adults and support resources.
SOS for Students combines educational videos, classroom discussion, depression screenings, and answer sheets to meet all of these requirements and more. The program includes annual professional development courses feedback from students and facilitatorsoffers practical advice on coping skills, focuses on the role of social media, and includes stories of hope and recovery.
| Required by HB 268 | SOS for students |
| Recognizing symptoms of depression and suicide risk | Learn the symptoms of suicide and depression from real students |
| Understand the warning signs that someone may be in danger | Hear from suicide prevention experts about identifying risk in yourself and your peers |
| Encouraging search behavior for self and others | use the The ACT® (Acknowledge, Care, Tell) model for getting help |
| Connect with adults and support resources | Gain confidence in speaking up after identifying concerns |
Suicide prevention for school staff
The Ricky and Alyssa Act includes provisions requiring annual suicide prevention training for all certified public school employees. Suicide SOS Signs for K-12 School Employees further in the ACT® model to prepare teachers, counselors, administrators, etc. to support students or faculty colleagues who may be struggling with depression or at risk of suicide. This one-hour asynchronous training meets all state standards for school personnel training. School staff learn to: recognize signs of depression or suicidality in a student that are serious; show the student that they care and can help; and follow school protocol and express your concerns to mental health staff.
Both SOS for Students and SOS for K-12 School Staff are now used by hundreds of schools across Georgia. Contact us to find out how you can bring Suicide SOS Signs to your school or district.
