UMMEED Guidelines to Prevent Student Suicide in Schools

The Ministry of Education (MoE) recently released a draft of guidelines called UMMEED (Understand, Motivate, Manage, Empathise, Empower, Develop) to prevent student suicide in schools. 

UMMEED guidelines

UMMEED guidelines aim to provide direction to schools on how to increase sensitivity, understanding, and support for students who may have reported self-harm. 

• The guidelines suggest setting up wellness teams, orienting teachers and family members, and taking immediate action when students exhibit warning signs.
• The guidelines recommend forming a school wellness team (SWT) headed by the school principal, consisting of members who are equipped to handle crisis situations. When a student is identified as displaying warning signs, they must be reported to the SWT for immediate action. 
• The guidelines also suggest conducting orientations for teachers and family members once a year to raise awareness about student suicide. These orientations will be organized by the schools to build the capacity of various stakeholders.
• The guidelines emphasize the need for an immediate response when a student exhibits warning signs or attempts self-harm. 
• The individual at the school or the wellness team member who comes across such a case should take the necessary actions outlined in the guidelines.