Universities in England face urgent calls to intensify efforts to prevent student suicides, following a comprehensive review commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE).
The report, spanning nearly two years of research, highlights critical areas for improvement, including safety assessments of student accommodation and greater involvement of families after a student’s death.
The review analyzed 169 cases of suicide and serious self-harm reported by 73 universities during the 2023-24 academic year. It revealed that nearly 25% of incidents with known locations occurred in university-managed housing, underscoring the need for targeted safety checks in these environments.
Additionally, families were often excluded from serious incident review processes, a gap the report urges universities to address by making family input a key part of investigations.
Among its 19 recommendations, the review advises universities to discourage placing flowers or tributes at suicide sites to prevent these locations from becoming focal points for further incidents, known as “suicide clusters.” It also calls for improved academic support for struggling students and enhanced transparency in handling such cases.
The family of Natasha Abrahart, who died by suicide in 2018 while at the University of Bristol, criticized the review as “superficial,” arguing that without a legal duty of care, universities lack enforceable obligations to protect students. They advocate for a clear legal framework requiring universities to act with reasonable care to prevent harm.
The DfE acknowledges the legal complexities but emphasizes that universities have a general duty of care and must take responsibility. It has allocated £15 million via the Office for Students to support mental health initiatives and expects universities to implement the review’s recommendations effectively.
University leaders recognize the challenge of balancing these priorities amid financial pressures, with over 40% of English universities anticipating deficits. Discussions are underway on how to enforce standards and require universities to report progress to regulators.
This review represents the first UK government-issued guidance specifically for university leaders on student suicide prevention. It calls for a whole-university approach to mental health, integrating safety, support, and family engagement to reduce the risk of student deaths and foster healthier campus communities.
Practical Suggestions for Universities and Students:
- Conduct regular safety audits of student accommodation and common areas.
- Engage families sensitively and transparently in post-incident reviews.
- Provide proactive academic and mental health support, especially during high-stress periods like exam seasons.
- Promote awareness and reduce stigma around mental health to encourage early help-seeking.
- Implement training for staff and students on suicide prevention and mental health first aid.
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