Effects of a Multifaceted School-Based Intervention to Protect Mental Health and Prevent Suicidal Behaviour in Adolescents in Spain

What is this study about? This study aims to find out if a school-based program can help improve mental health and prevent suicidal thoughts and behaviors in teenagers in Spain. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among young people. Many teens who think about or attempt suicide are also struggling with mental health problems like depression. Schools offer a unique opportunity to help because almost all adolescents attend school regularly. What will happen in the study? The study will include about 2,280 students aged 12 to 16 years from 38 secondary schools in the Balearic Islands, Spain. Schools will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: Intervention group: Students will participate in four weekly classroom sessions led by trained psychologists. These sessions will help students learn about mental health, manage their emotions, recognize signs of distress in themselves or others, and ask for help when needed. At the same time, parents and teachers will follow a digital training program with videos and resources to help them support students' mental health and recognize warning signs. Control group: Students will receive a minimal intervention, which includes educational posters displayed in classrooms. What is the purpose of this program? The main goal is to reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The program also aims to improve students' overall mental well-being, reduce depression symptoms, and encourage help-seeking behaviors. It also helps parents and teachers feel more confident in supporting teens who may be at risk. How will the study be evaluated? Students will complete questionnaires at the start of the study and again after six months. These surveys will ask about mental health, suicidal thoughts, emotional well-being, self-harm, substance use, and experiences with bullying. Parents and teachers will also complete surveys about their knowledge and confidence in supporting students. Why is this study important? There is an urgent ne