CASEY schools are preparing students and parents for a Four Corners investigation of a cluster of youth suicides in the Casey-Cardinia region.
The program, titled There Is No 3G In Heaven, will screen tonight to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day.
The investigation included interviews with the principals of Beaconhills College, St Francis Xavier College and Berwick Secondary College, all of which have been affected by youth suicide.
In an email to parents, Beaconhills’ Pakenham headmaster Tony Sheumack recommended that if students wanted to watch the program, their parents should watch it with them.
He said the program could evoke strong emotions in students and families who had lost loved ones.
‘‘The college has endeavoured to be as helpful and open as possible with Four Corners, while being mindful of the extremely sensitive nature of this topic and the distress it may bring to some families in our region.
‘‘Four Corners is a well-regarded and professional program and we trust they will also handle this topic responsibly and sensitively.’’
Parents concerned about their children could find helpful links on the front page of the college website, Mr Sheumack said. They could also contact their child’s tutor or head of house with any concerns.
He said it was important to remember that, despite the focus on this issue at the moment, most of the students and young people in the region were happy and healthy.
‘‘I am reminded of this fact every day when I walk around our campuses and chat to students and staff.’’
There Is No 3G In Heaven, Four Corners, ABC, 8.30pm, Monday.
