According to the suicide statistics of the National Police Agency, the number of suicides in 2019 was 20,169, the smallest number recorded since 1978. On the other hand, the number of suicides among young people has not decreased and that among students increased compared with the previous year, demonstrating suicide by young people to be a serious problem. As for suicide prevention measures for young people, the Cabinet approved the General Outline of Suicide Prevention Measures on July 25, 2017, stating that "education on how to send out SOS" should be promoted.
 In addition, the number of cases of young people becoming involved in crimes via the Internet and social networking sites is increasing. Therefore, it is important that the entire school community functions as a place to receive SOS rather than just educating the students. On the other hand, regarding the promotion of suicide prevention in schools, it is difficult to disseminate suicide prevention education, especially that provided by professionals. In addition, according to a survey conducted in Mental Health and Welfare Centers across the country, 64% of the centers felt that suicide prevention measures in schools were difficult to implement. In this article, we introduce the suicide prevention programs for school communities that were implemented in Hamamatsu City, and discuss measures to promote suicide prevention in schools and the roles of psychiatrists and other professionals.
 Author's abstract