One in seven Florida students considered self-harm, DCPS warns

Fourteen percent of Florida students have seriously considered harming themselves, according to a statewide survey cited by Duval County Public Schools on Monday, Sept. 14. Only 26% said they sought help when facing a mental-health challenge.

The district published Suicide Prevention Month guidance drawing on the 2025 Florida-Specific Youth Survey. That survey also found 22% of students reported almost always experiencing symptoms of stress, anxiety or depression. The figures are statewide, not specific to Duval County or the Beaches.

Katrina Taylor, DCPS Director of Behavioral Health, said the numbers should prompt families to pay closer attention.

"Sometimes a student may not say, 'I need help.' Instead, their distress may show up through changes in their mood, behavior, friendships, sleep, attendance or school performance," Taylor said in the guidance.

DCPS urged parents to watch for significant shifts in a child's mood, behavior, friendships, attendance, grades or daily routines. The district also said asking a child directly whether they are thinking about hurting themselves does not plant the idea. It can help the child share what they are experiencing.

School-based support

According to the district's behavioral health guide, school counselors provide short-term, non-clinical support for social, emotional and academic needs. Full Service School social workers at participating campuses connect families with community resources and can refer students to licensed therapists.

Some schools also run student-led GROW Clubs, supported by trained coaches, to promote mental wellness. The district has not specified which Beaches schools offer these programs.

Families who believe their child could benefit from school-based counseling can complete the DCPS School-Based Mental Health Counseling Referral Form. Questions can be directed to Taylor at [email protected].

A local resource in Neptune Beach

Here Tomorrow, a nonprofit at 910 3rd St. in Neptune Beach, offers no-cost, same-day peer support for anyone in crisis, experiencing hopelessness or concerned about a loved one. Founder Joe Kenney started the organization in 2021 after his son Gary took his own life in Jacksonville Beach.

The nonprofit employs 17 suicide prevention specialists and covers the full cost of 12 to 24 licensed therapy sessions for clients who need them, according to Beaches Watch. On May 6, News4Jax reported that Here Tomorrow launched a confidential program for military members and first responders.

Here Tomorrow can be reached at (904) 372-9087.