If your child has said they want to die or made a suicide threat, focus on safety first. This page helps you decide what to do right now, when to stay with your child, how to secure the home, and when to call 911 or get emergency help.
Answer a few questions to get personalized guidance on immediate danger, supervision, removing dangerous items, and the next safest step for your child right now.
Take the statement seriously and stay calm. Stay with your child or make sure another trusted adult is with them at all times if there is any concern about self-harm. Move to a quieter space, speak in a steady voice, and focus on immediate safety rather than trying to solve everything in the moment. If your child has a weapon, has taken pills, is trying to leave to hurt themselves, is severely intoxicated, or cannot agree to stay safe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
Do not leave your child alone if there is any immediate risk. Close supervision matters after a suicidal threat, especially in the first hours when emotions may still be intense.
Secure medications, sharp objects, cords, ropes, firearms, alcohol, and car keys. If there are firearms in the home, remove them from the home entirely if possible, or store them unloaded, locked, and separately from ammunition.
Call 911, 988, your local crisis service, or go to the ER if your child has a plan, access to means, has already harmed themselves, or you believe you cannot keep them safe at home.
Count pills if needed and place prescription and over-the-counter medications in a locked container or cabinet. Include vitamins, sleep aids, and pet medications.
Put knives, razors, scissors, tools, cords, and other potentially dangerous items in a locked area or remove them from easy access until a clinician advises otherwise.
Keep your child in shared spaces when possible, check bathrooms and bedrooms for hazards, and avoid long periods behind closed doors if safety is uncertain.
If your child describes how they would hurt themselves, has gathered items, written a note, or has already attempted self-harm, treat it as an emergency.
If your child says they may act on suicidal thoughts, refuses supervision, or tries to leave to be alone, seek emergency support immediately.
Intoxication, hearing voices, severe panic, rage, or confusion can sharply increase danger and make home supervision unsafe without urgent professional help.
Yes, if there is any concern about self-harm, stay with your child or arrange constant supervision by a trusted adult until a qualified professional helps you assess safety. Do not assume the danger has passed just because they seem calmer.
Call 911 if your child is in immediate danger, has a weapon, has taken an overdose, is attempting self-harm, is severely impaired by substances, is acting violently, or cannot be kept safe at home. If the danger is urgent but less clear, 988 or a local crisis line can help you decide the next step.
Secure or remove medications, firearms, sharp objects, cords, ropes, alcohol, and car keys. Use locked storage whenever possible. For firearms, the safest option is temporary removal from the home during the crisis period.
Still take it seriously. Many parents hear this after emotions settle, but it does not rule out risk. Continue supervision, reduce access to dangerous items, and get a professional assessment to guide next steps.
If you are unsure, act on the side of safety. Stay with your child, secure the home, and seek urgent guidance through 988, your pediatrician, a therapist, or emergency services if risk seems to be rising.
Answer a few questions to get a focused assessment for immediate safety steps after a suicide threat, including supervision, home safety, and when to seek emergency help.
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