Sen. Dutton Introduces Legislation to Address Teen Suicides

Sen. Bob Dutton (R-Rancho Cucamonga) has introduced Senate Bill 1378 that aims to address the growing problem of teen suicides.

SB 1378 would ensure all teachers in California receive suicide prevention training during one of their normally scheduled “in service” days within the next five years.

“Teen suicides have become a ‘silent epidemic’ in California and throughout the country,” said Senator Dutton. “Teen suicides are the third leading cause of death for our youth nationally and the second leading cause of death for college age youth.”

“SB 1378 will ensure teachers receive the training that will give them the tools to recognize the warning signs of this growing epidemic,” Senator Dutton continued.

Senator Dutton is working closely with The Jason Foundation, a nationally recognized organization that provides the necessary tools to students, educators, and parents in order for them to identify the “at risk” signs of youth suicide.

“Youth suicide is one of the leading causes of preventable death in our nation today,” said Clark Flatt, president and CEO of the Jason Foundation. Flatt lost his 16-year-old son Jason to suicide in 1997. “I’m thrilled Senator Dutton has taken the lead in California in ensuring California’s teachers are trained to recognize the signs of teen suicide. Education is the cornerstone in building a successful prevention effort.”

If passed, SB 1378 would have teachers receive the suicide prevention training by Jan. 1st, 2014.

Anyone interested in obtaining more information about this silent epidemic can go to The Jason Foundation’s website at:
www.jasonfoundation.com.