{
  "abstract": "Background: Currently, there are no specific suicide prevention programmes for primary (elementary) schools within the UK. However, given the rise in suicidal thoughts and/or behaviours amongst children under 11 years, the feasibility, acceptability, and perceived need for these programmes need to be assessed. Aims: This qualitative scoping study aimed to explore whether there is a perceived need for suicide prevention programmes in primary schools and, if so, what these should look like. Sample(s) & Methods: 92 participants took part in the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with mental health professionals (N= 22), school staff (N= 8), and parents of children who had experienced suicidal ideation, behaviours, or been bereaved by suicide (N=7). Focus groups were conducted with secondary school students (N= 36) and primary school students (N= 19) across 5 schools. Data were analysed using thematic framework analysis. Results: Three main themes were identified: 1) the necessity of suicide prevention programmes for primary schools, 2) barriers affecting delivery and potential solutions, 3) the transition period from primary to secondary school. Conclusion: Overall, participants supported the need and acceptability of suicide prevention programmes for primary schools, particularly due to the rising concerns about suicidality among younger children and evidence that suicide-related discussions are already occurring within peer groups. However, careful consideration needs to be given to ensure it is delivered in a safe and age-appropriate way, with a focus on dispelling myths, promoting help seeking, and increasing knowledge.",
  "abstract_shown": true,
  "affiliations": [
    "Liverpool John Moores University"
  ],
  "article_type": "PUBLISHAHEADOFPRINT",
  "arxiv": null,
  "author_total": 5,
  "authors": [
    {
      "affs": [
        0
      ],
      "name": "B. Abdul Salam"
    },
    {
      "name": "P. Saini"
    },
    {
      "name": "M. McCarthy"
    },
    {
      "name": "N. Smith"
    },
    {
      "name": "E. Ashworth"
    }
  ],
  "bibtex": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/d9f3533a44dnz.bib",
  "cited_by": 0,
  "doi": "10.64898/2026.11.03.26367158",
  "fulltext_url": "https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.11.03.26367158v1.full",
  "id": "d9f3533a44dnz",
  "issns": [],
  "landing_url": "https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.11.03.26367158v1",
  "language": null,
  "licence": "CC-BY",
  "licence_label": "CC BY",
  "licence_source": "article",
  "licence_url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/",
  "metadata_licence": null,
  "native_subjects": [
    [
      "medrxiv",
      "psychiatry and clinical psychology"
    ]
  ],
  "openalex": null,
  "pdf_url": "https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.11.03.26367158v1.full.pdf",
  "pmcid": null,
  "pmid": null,
  "published": "2026-11-03",
  "publisher": null,
  "ris": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/d9f3533a44dnz.ris",
  "sources": [
    {
      "first_seen": "2026-11-06T00:21:06Z",
      "native_id": "10.64898/2026.11.03.26367158",
      "source": "medrxiv",
      "url": "https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.11.03.26367158v1"
    }
  ],
  "subjects": [
    {
      "field": "medicine",
      "origin": "medrxiv:psychiatry and clinical psychology",
      "subfield": "psychiatry"
    }
  ],
  "title": "The Feasibility, Acceptability, and Perceived Need for Suicide Initiatives for Children in UK Primary Schools",
  "title_text": "The Feasibility, Acceptability, and Perceived Need for Suicide Initiatives for Children in UK Primary Schools",
  "type": "preprint",
  "updated_at": "2026-11-07T00:20:53Z",
  "url": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/d9f3533a44dnz",
  "venue": "medRxiv",
  "versions": []
}