Gatekeeper Training

Gatekeeper training for staff is an important element of suicide prevention. This type of education enhances school staff’s knowledge of suicide and their ability to recognize students at risk. It is important to note that while gatekeeper training enables staff to “sound the alarm” to get further support for students, this type of training and education is not sufficient for staff to provide mental health services to students. Once staff receive this type of training, they should be more equipped to identify students at risk and respond appropriately while linking the student to the appropriate resources and interventions. 

Research shows that teachers and school staff believe that suicide prevention is an important part of their role, but they lack the tools or confidence necessary to fill the role.

Effective training and clear expectations can fill this gap and empower teachers and other staff to actively prevent suicide in their schools.

All staff must receive gatekeeper training and be aware of all relevant protocols prior to students receiving prevention education or screening. 

Gatekeeper training should last approximately 2 hours at least every 2-3 years and include the following elements:

• Recognizing students at risk
• Intervention & communication
• Determining/Assessing level of risk
• Referral practices
• Should be universal and evidence-based
• Clarify role: expected to act as gatekeeper,
  not meant to act as mental health provider
  tasked to recognize risk and “sound the
  alarm”