The purpose of this class is to empower teens with communication and reflective listening skills to pay attention to warning signs and refer their friends to knowledgeable, caring adults in their schools and communities (such as school counselors, mentors, pastors, etc.).  It is not the intention of this class to empower students with counseling skills nor is it the role of teens to act as interventionists.

1.  Teens will identify personal skills that equip them to face life's challenges with strength and resilience.
2.  Teens will learn how to recognize specific warning signs that may indicate a friend needs immediate support and how to refer them to a caring adult.
3.  Teens will learn reflective listening and communication skills.
4.  Teens will use the #BeThe1To action steps if a friend discusses suicide, www.BeThe1To.com (National Suicide Prevention LIfeline):

#BeThe1To Ask.  Ask the tough question.  When somebody you know is in emotional pain, be direct.  Ask, “Are you thinking about killing yourself?”  
#BeThe1To Keep Them Safe.  Is a friend or loved one thinking about suicide?  Ask, “Do you have a plan?”  Find out if they’ve thought about how they would end their lives. 
If you can not physically intervene in someone’s attempt to hurt themselves, get help.  Call a family member.  Call 911.  Or use Emergency SOS on your iPhone or Android device to request assistance.
#BeThe1To Be There.  It is never easy to hear someone you care about describe their pain or hopelessness.  Listen with compassion without dismissing or judging their words.
#BeThe1To Help Them Connect.  Help your friend connect to a support system.  A network includes family, friends, school administrators, teachers, counselors, doctors, clergy, coaches, or therapists so they have someone to reach out to for help.
#BeThe1ToFollowUp
If a friend tells you they are thinking about ending their own life, be a good friend – suicide is not a secret to keep confidential.  Tell a counselor.  Tell your teacher.  Tell a pastor.  Tell an adult you trust.  Do not share confidential information on social media.  Call 1-800-273-TALK (8225) and the counselor at the Suicide Prevention Lifeline will help you #BeThe1 to save a friend’s life.

5.  Teens will discover how to access and refer friends to caring adults and local resources in their schools and communities.
6.  Teens will discover how to access suicide prevention resources, including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, www.suicidepreventionhotline.org, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), and the Crisis Text Line, www.CrisisTextLine.org, 741741 (U.S. & Canada), 85258 (U.K.), or 086 1800 280 (Ireland).
7.  Teens will review how to practice positive self-care and set appropriate boundaries.