No, Three-Year-Olds Will Not Be Taught About Suicide
Beyond Blue responds
Pic: Getty
Mental Health organisation Beyond Blue has dismissed reports kids as young as 3 will be taught about suicide in a new program launched by Canberra today.
Newspapers across the country today are saying the word 'suicide' won't be used on the youngest children, but they will be discussing things like 'wanting to die' or the feeling of 'not wanting to be here anymore'.
Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman says that's not true.
"It's necessary and it's irresponsible because that's not what this program is going to do"
Harman has clarified that the $53 million initiative is more about equipping teachers and everyone in the school community with skills to deal with everything from name calling to processing current world events.
She says the education program will be positive, because speaking about such big issues such as suicide wouldn't be practical.
"Those concepts are not real and tangible for kids at that age. This is about happy and healthy kids, not about talking about suicide"
The program, which will begin early-2018, is being run by Beyond Blue, who've partnered with Early Childhood Australia and Headspace.
ANYONE EXPERIENCING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS SHOULD CONTACT
LIFELINE ON 13 11 14 OR
KIDS HELP LINE ON 1800 55 1800