Few schools have a formal, board-approved policy addressing how to respond when a student dies, regardless of the circumstances. Given the rise in teen suicide, many districts are finding that a consistent, thoughtful approach is becoming increasingly important, both for the wellbeing of students and for the school’s own risk management.
While currently there is not established research directly linking school-based memorials to suicide contagion or “copy-cat” deaths however, research does suggest a connection between media coverage that sensationalizes suicide and subsequent copy-cat deaths. Some students who may be vulnerable to suicidal ideation could be affected by memorials in ways that are difficult to anticipate, which is one reason schools may want to approach this area carefully.
Complicating matters further, suicide clusters are sometimes preceded by a death that was not itself a suicide. Public health officials refer to this first death as the “index event,” and it is often an accidental death.
Public memorials can also affect the broader student body in different ways. While some students may find them comforting, others may experience renewed grief, depression or distress. A student having an otherwise good day may be affected simply by encountering a memorial on campus. For this reason, many schools find value in applying a consistent approach to memorial requests, rather than deciding on a case-by-case basis. As schools develop policies that balance student wellbeing with legal responsibilities, consulting a Columbia, MO Student Protection Lawyer can help ensure those policies comply with applicable laws while supporting a safe educational environment.
Spontaneous Memorials
Spontaneous memorials are the informal remembrances that often appear at a locker, parking spot, or similar location shortly after a death. These tributes are generally considered a normal and appropriate part of the grieving process. Schools may want to consider establishing some general parameters around these, such as:
- How long the memorial will remain in place, and how that timeline is communicated to students;
- What happens to the tributes once they are removed;
- What alternative outlets are available for students who wish to continue expressing their grief.
One approach some schools have used is allowing a spontaneous memorial to remain in place until the day after the funeral, after which the items are given to the family.
Funerals and Assemblies
Many schools choose not to host funerals on campus, though this may sometimes become necessary specifically due to space constraints; in those instances, it can be helpful for school counselors to check in with students who may be more vulnerable after the service. Similarly, some schools have found that a classroom-based approach, where a teacher reads a prepared statement and can observe individual student reactions, may be more effective than a schoolwide memorial assembly.
Memorial Activities to Approach with Caution
Schools may want to think carefully before allowing certain types of permanent or symbolic tributes, including:
- Flying the flag at half-staff
- Posting notices on the school’s outdoor message board
- T-shirts or other apparel
- Planting trees or gardens on school grounds
- Plaques or dedicated spaces within the school
- Naming rooms or venues after the student
- Banners
- Yearbook dedications or dedicated events
- Special acknowledgments at any type of ceremony (awards, graduation, etc.)
Alternative Ways to Honor a Student
Schools looking for ways to memorialize a student while minimizing some of these concerns might consider:
- Donating to a local crisis center;
- Writing notes to the family;
- Participating in a suicide prevention awareness event;
- Developing community-based service activities that emphasize mental health, peer support, and partnership with local mental health organizations.
Building a Consistent Approach
Many schools currently operate under an informal, unwritten protocol rather than a board-approved policy. Some schools have found it helpful to create a review committee that includes a school board member, administrator, faculty member, staff member, parent, and (in a high school setting) student, to evaluate memorial requests and emphasize life-affirming activities.
Given the growing awareness around contagion and copy-cat behavior among youth, schools may want to revisit their existing informal practices and consider whether a more formal, documented approach would better serve their students and reduce ambiguity for staff. Establishing this kind of framework before it is needed, rather than in the immediate aftermath of a tragedy, can allow for calmer, more consistent decision-making.
Ultimately, this is an area that calls for balancing compassion with caution. Schools seeking additional guidance may find it helpful to consult an attorney and review resources such as the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention or the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide. For questions about school policies, governance, or legal considerations surrounding memorial practices, contact TGH Litigation for guidance.