Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB764

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/6/23
• Refer: 6/6/23

Caption

In terms and courses of study, further providing for youth suicide awareness and prevention and providing for violence prevention and social inclusion.

Impact

The bill also requires schools to implement evidence-based youth violence prevention training and social inclusion training for students from kindergarten through grade twelve. In addition to the educational provisions, the bill stipulates that each school must establish a student-led violence prevention club, promoting leadership and student engagement in fostering a safe school environment. The Department of Education will develop a list of approved training materials available online, helping educators and students acquire the necessary skills to address mental health and safety concerns effectively.

Summary

Senate Bill 764, known as the Safety and Violence Education for Students (SAVE Students) Act, aims to enhance youth suicide awareness, violence prevention, and social inclusion in Pennsylvania schools. The bill mandates that school entities serving students in grades six through twelve provide at least one hour of evidence-based training on suicide awareness and prevention every year. This initiative underscores the importance of mental health education and equips students and personnel to identify warning signs related to depression and self-injury.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB764 is expected to be largely supportive, as it addresses critical issues of mental health and school safety. Legislators promoting the bill consider it a crucial step toward supporting students' well-being and social development. However, discussions may also reveal concerns regarding the implementation and resource allocation necessary for successful training and programming, particularly in underfunded school districts.

Contention

Notable points of contention may center around the adequacy of resources for training and the effectiveness of proposed programs. Critics may argue that while the bill's goals are commendable, the practical aspects of training students and staff could lead to challenges, such as varying levels of commitment from schools or discrepancies in training quality across districts. Additionally, defining what constitutes 'evidence-based' training could generate debate over what programs are approved and how widely they can be accessed.