Giving Compass' Take:

· Scott Hesel addresses the relationship between lower suicide rates and 'connected' schools, concluding that students who feel closer to their peers and adult staff are less likely to harm themselves. 

· How can schools create an inclusive environment and encourage stronger relationships between staff and students? Why is this important in creating a supportive school culture? 

· Here's how building 'connected' schools can reduce school violence. 

Rates of suicide attempts are lower in high schools where students have better connections to their peers and stronger relationships with adult staff, according to a new study.

The study surveyed 10,291 students from 38 high schools to determine social integration through the relationship network structure of each school.

Researchers asked students to name up to seven of their closest friends at their school. In a novel approach, they also asked students to name up to seven adults in their school they trust and feel comfortable talking to about personal matters.

Researchers used the friendship and adult nominations participants submitted to build comprehensive social networks for each school. Researchers used this data to determine whether differences in social networks between schools resulted in different rates of suicide attempts and suicidal ideation (thinking about or planning suicide).

Read the full article about 'connected' schools and suicide rates by Scott Hesel at Futurity.