If your child or teen has said they want to kill themselves, has a plan, or may act tonight or within the next 24 hours, this page can help you decide when to call 911 and what emergency steps to take immediately.
Start with the question below so you can get clear next-step guidance based on whether your child has a suicide plan, a timeline, and urgent safety concerns.
If your child has a suicide plan and means to carry it out, or says they are going to kill themselves now, tonight, or within the next 24 hours, treat it as an emergency. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if there is immediate danger, if you cannot keep them safe, or if they are attempting to leave to act on the plan. Stay with your child, keep your voice calm, and do not leave them alone while you get help.
If your child says they will kill themselves now, tonight, or within the next 24 hours, this is a high-risk situation that may require emergency intervention.
If they have pills, a weapon, sharp objects, cords, or another way to carry out the plan, call 911 if you cannot immediately secure the danger and keep them safe.
If your child is escalating, trying to leave, refusing help, or you are unsure you can prevent self-harm, emergency help is appropriate.
Remain physically present if it is safe to do so. Do not leave them alone, even briefly, while you call for help or arrange transport.
Move medications, firearms, knives, ropes, cords, and car keys out of reach if you can do so safely. If a firearm is present and not securely stored, call 911 right away.
Say, "I'm here with you. I'm taking this seriously. We're getting help right now." Avoid debating, shaming, or asking them to promise they will be fine.
Parents often hesitate because they are afraid of overreacting. If your teen has a suicide plan, says they might act soon, or you found evidence of preparation, it is safer to treat the situation urgently. You can also call or text 988 for crisis support while deciding next steps, but if there is immediate danger or you believe your child may act now, call 911 first.
Use 911 when your child is actively suicidal, has an immediate plan, is attempting self-harm, or you cannot keep them safe where you are.
If your child is willing to go and can be transported safely, the emergency room can assess suicide risk and help determine the next level of care.
If the danger is not unfolding this second but the risk is serious, 988 can help you think through urgent safety steps and what to do next.
Yes. If your child says they are going to kill themselves now, tonight, or within the next 24 hours, has a suicide plan and means, or is attempting to act on it, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Stay with your teen, remove or secure lethal means if you can do so safely, and get emergency help immediately. If you cannot maintain safety at home or they may act soon, call 911.
Take that statement seriously as an emergency warning sign. Do not leave them alone. Call 911 if there is any chance they may act, especially if they have access to pills, weapons, or another method.
Use 988 for urgent crisis support when you need guidance and your child is not in immediate physical danger this moment. Use 911 if there is imminent risk, an attempt in progress, access to lethal means you cannot secure, or you cannot keep your child safe.
Answer a few questions to get clear, topic-specific guidance on whether this sounds like an emergency, what safety steps to take now, and when to call 911.
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