Bill > S00041

This bill directs the Office of Mental Health (OMH) to develop and identify educational materials about suicide prevention and depression for school-aged children. The materials will be made available on the education department's website and will cover topics such as depression symptoms, how depression manifests in different cultures, suicide warning signs, actions to take when a child is at risk of suicide, social media safety, and cyberbullying prevention. The bill also authorizes school districts to include suicide prevention instruction in health education classes for secondary school students, which must be taught by certified health education teachers. School authorities are empowered to provide necessary facilities, learning aids, and curriculum resources to support effective teaching about suicide prevention. The materials will be developed in consultation with the education department and will include a list of educational websites about suicide and children. The bill is designed to help schools and educators address mental health challenges and provide supportive resources for students, with the new provisions set to take effect on the first of July following the bill's passage.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S41