Developing Tools with Children and Teens Aged 10 to 18 to Support Those with Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviors

What this Trial Is About

Research shows that few evidence-based tools specifically address suicidality in children and adolescents, making it important to find effective ways to support these young people. Discussing suicidal thoughts does not increase risk and may help reduce it. Digital approaches are increasingly used in suicide prevention, with early studies suggesting they can improve knowledge, emotional control, coping skills, and management of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. This project involves developing two key tools a creative method for professionals to engage young people in conversations about suicidal thoughts, and a self-help app designed for suicidal youth and their support networks. The apps development will be guided by input from children and adolescents themselves through co-creation sessions. Up to 30 participants aged 10 to 18 who have experienced suicidal thoughts will take part in group or individual sessions, each lasting up to 1.5 hours, held either online or in person. Participants will attend between 1 and 10 co-creation sessions facilitated by researchers, providing feedback on app prototypes and helping shape the tools to better meet their needs. The study will track responses to co-creation questions throughout these sessions. Although the app prototypes will be reviewed by participants, they will not be tested for effectiveness within this project. The study is led by University Ghent and aims to create practical, youth-informed resources for suicide prevention.

Co-creation of Tools for Children and Adolescents with Suicidal Thoughts And/or Behaviour