NC S642

Public school students in grades 6-12 must receive two hours of annual training on suicide awareness, violence prevention, and social inclusion from evidence-based programs approved by the Department of Public Instruction

School employees with significant student interaction must complete one hour of annual training on suicide awareness, violence prevention, and identifying warning signs

The Department of Public Instruction, with the Department of Health and Human Services, must maintain a list of approved training programs, including at least one free option for schools

All public school units—including charter schools, regional schools, and laboratory schools—must adopt school-based mental health plans with mental health training programs and suicide risk referral protocols

Schools must allow student-led clubs focused on suicide prevention, student safety, and social isolation prevention for grades 6-12, effective for the 2025-2026 school year