VIENNA — This past September, Maries R-1 middle school students in grades five through eight took part in the state’s “Signs of Suicide” program, a training designed to help young people recognize warning signs of depression and suicidal thoughts. The initiative, offered across Missouri for students in grades five through twelve, though only given to grades 5-8 at Maries R-1, aims to equip students with the tools to support themselves and their peers.

Some might argue that middle school feels a little early for such serious conversations. But with youth suicide rates rising across the nation and Missouri’s numbers sitting above the national average, educators say awareness can’t wait until high school. Suicide is currently the third leading cause of death among Missouri adolescents aged 10 to 19, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

The conversation has grown even more urgent after a recent tragedy struck last week in St. James, where a young student took their own life. While details remain private, the loss has reverberated across surrounding communities a reminder of how critical open discussion and education around mental health have become.

Middle School Principal Tim Metcalf spoke about the SOS program put on, how students are guided through discussions and other forms of educational tools that encourage kids to think about empathy, connection and how to speak up when something feels wrong.

“We help kids identify the signs that other kids would show,” Metcald said. “If they were showing signs of depression or suicide.”

Still, the challenges facing students today are different from those a decade ago, as now, many grow up immersed in screens and social media, which play a central role in their daily lives. While these platforms offer connection and entertainment, they also have a chance to expose students to cyberbullying, harmful content and constant notifications that can disrupt emotional health.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, frequent social media use has been linked to higher levels of sadness and suicidal thoughts, among adolescents.

In Missouri, state surveys show that roughly one in eight middle school students say they have seriously considered suicide in the past year. Experts from those surveys note the pressures of online life, including harsh comments, constant comparisons and exposure to idealized images. All of which have a possibility to heighten anxiety and isolation in young people who are still learning to process their emotions.

This environment shows why programs like SOS are increasingly relevant. By introducing these lessons early, schools aim to ensure students can recognize warning signs, seek help and support one another. In similar spirit, Metcalf said the SOS program given to the students fits into the school’s ongoing commitment to mental health and student safety.

“By equipping students with the tools to identify and respond to mental health concerns, the SOS program plays a vital role in suicide prevention and supports our ongoing efforts to create safe, supportive and informed school communities,” Metcalf said.

At Maries R-1, those efforts for some started this week with honest conversations, steady guidance and the understanding that awareness can make a lasting difference.