If your child or teen is talking about dying, showing signs of immediate suicide risk, or self-harming in a way that worries you, 988 can help you decide the safest next step right now. Get clear, parent-focused guidance for what to do in this moment.
Start with what you are seeing right now. We’ll help you understand when parents should call 988, what level of risk may need immediate action, and what to expect if you reach out for crisis support for your child.
Parents often hesitate because they are not sure whether the situation is serious enough. If your child says they want to die, talks about killing themselves, seems unable to stay safe, or is self-harming and you fear it could become suicidal, calling 988 is appropriate. You do not need to wait until you are certain. 988 is there for moments when something feels seriously wrong and you need immediate guidance about suicide risk.
Call 988 right away if your child has a plan, access to a method, is saying goodbye, cannot calm down, or you believe they may try to hurt themselves soon.
If your child or teen says they want to die, wishes they were gone, or talks about suicide, 988 can help you assess urgency and decide the safest next step.
If self-harm is becoming more frequent, more dangerous, or seems connected to hopelessness or suicidal thoughts, 988 can help you respond before risk increases further.
You will speak with someone trained to respond to suicide risk and emotional crisis. They can help you describe what is happening with your child and sort out how urgent the situation is.
The conversation usually centers on immediate danger, whether your child can stay safe, and what support is needed now. You may be guided to stay with your child, reduce access to harmful items, or seek emergency help.
988 is not only for the person in crisis. Parents can call to ask what to do, how to respond to suicidal thoughts, and whether the situation calls for urgent intervention.
A sharp shift in mood, panic, agitation, withdrawal, or statements like 'I can’t do this anymore' can signal rising suicide risk even if your child has not shared a clear plan.
Many parents search for how to know if their child needs 988 because they fear overreacting. In a possible suicide crisis, it is safer to reach out early than to wait until the danger is obvious.
Answer a few questions about what your child is saying or doing right now to get personalized guidance on whether calling 988 makes sense and what action may be needed next.
Parents should call 988 when a child or teen is talking about wanting to die, expressing suicidal thoughts, showing signs they may act soon, or self-harming in a way that raises concern about suicide risk. You can also call if you are unsure but believe something is seriously wrong.
Yes. You do not need proof of a plan to call 988. Suicidal thoughts alone are important to take seriously, especially if your child seems hopeless, overwhelmed, withdrawn, or unable to stay safe.
Yes. Parents can call 988 to get guidance even if the child or teen refuses to speak. A crisis counselor can help you think through the risk, safety steps, and whether more urgent care is needed.
If your child has taken action, has a weapon or other lethal means, cannot be kept safe, or may act in the next few minutes, call emergency services immediately. 988 can help with suicide crisis support, but life-threatening emergencies need the fastest possible response.
You can call 988 for concerns about a child or teen. If a younger child is talking about death, wanting to die, or harming themselves in a way that feels dangerous or alarming, it is appropriate to seek immediate guidance.
If you are trying to decide what to do for your child in this moment, answer a few questions for a focused assessment. You’ll get personalized guidance based on the level of suicide risk you are seeing right now.
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