Bill > A02406

This bill directs the New York State Office of Mental Health to develop comprehensive educational materials about suicide prevention and depression for school-aged children, which school districts can optionally use in their curriculum. The materials will cover topics such as depression symptoms, cultural variations in depression manifestation, suicide warning signs, appropriate actions when a child is at risk, social media safety, and cyberbullying prevention. The bill specifically requires these materials to be made available on the education department's website, with a hyperlink from the mental health office's website. Additionally, the bill authorizes secondary schools to include suicide prevention instruction in health education classes, to be taught by certified health education teachers. School authorities are empowered to provide necessary resources, learning aids, and curriculum materials to support effective teaching about suicide prevention and related topics. The bill aims to enhance awareness and education around youth mental health and suicide prevention, giving schools flexible tools to address these critical issues. The new provisions will take effect on the first of July following the bill's enactment.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A2406