Helping Adolescents Know What to Do When a Peer is in Crisis

In any given time there will be some students who undergo a crisis situation and are uncertain about what to do. Often it is their peers in school who are the first to notice other students who might be having some type of crisis. Unfortunately when some students are having difficulties they are hesitant to seek out adults at the school for help when needed. These students can be identified and encouraged by peers who have been trained in what to look for and how to encourage them to seek out the help they need in a timely manner.

This guide provides information students will need to help them be more aware of crisis risks in other students at school. It also will prepare them in how to best approach a peer who might be experiencing personal troubles before they escalate into a crisis. The more students learn how to recognize risk factors in their peers and how to refer them to a trained professional, the more likely they will be to provide timely help to students in need.

This guide contains six core lessons, each requiring 30-40 minutes. The lessons and included activities help build crisis management insights and skills.

• Lesson 1: Keeping It Real– Exploring current issues and crises facing teens
• Lesson 2: Identifying Pleasant and Unpleasant Feelings in Others– Identifying physical responses to feelings
• Lesson 3: How Can I Help Others? Listening with Understanding– Learning focusing skills for more effective listening
• Lesson 4: How Can I Help Others by Asking Engaging Questions?– Asking inviting questions to show you care
• Lesson 5: Advanced Listening Skills– When and how to use empathy with peers
• Lesson 6: Limitations– Knowing when and how to refer a peer to receive help from others