Bill would require suicide prevention programs in elementary schools

SALT LAKE CITY — A bill before the Utah legislature would expand suicide prevention programs in Utah schools to grades Kindergarten and up, offering access for the first time to elementary-age children. 

The bill would offer suicide prevention resources to children as young as kindergarten. Right now, state law requires schools to provide suicide prevention programs in grades seven through 12, along with anti-bullying programs and training.

Rep. Brian King, D-Salt Lake City, says he is concerned about the rate of Utah youth suicides. So he says this bill would give resources to the entire range of K through 12.

But some said in the committee meeting that they worry about really young kids learning about such heavy topics, and suicidal ideation.

Others don’t like how the bill reduces the money give to schools for these programs.

Read more in the Deseret News.

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