Universities should contact parents if there are serious concerns about a student’s mental wellbeing - even without their consent. Higher education institutions are being urged to be more proactive in their efforts to prevent student suicides. New recommendations include the option of involving trusted contacts such as parents or others without agreement from the student, in situations where there are serious concerns about mental health. Universities Scotland, the umbrella group for the sector, was involved in drafting the UK-wide guidance which will also make it mandatory for students to give a trusted contact when they register at university. Universities are also being urged to review their suicide prevention plans and policies to keep students safe, working closely with NHS services.

Source: The Herald October 06, 2022 22:46 UTC