A change of rules allowing tutors to voice concerns regarding student's health?

[AB Asks]

The parents of a student who committed suicide are calling for a change in the law that allows tutors to inform parents of a student's state of mind. A student aged 22 committed suicide whilst away at university. She began missing lectures and developed anorexia. Her worried tutors did not inform her parents due to policies that prevent them from disclosing 'confidential information' to parents. Do you think there should be a change in policy? Or are these people adults and so should be left to their own devices no matter what?

[China Doll]

Depends if the parents are actually part of the cause really doesn't it? If the paents were at the root of the misery or it was to do with family issues then how would the tutors know that? They could make things a lot worse. (Obviously not in this example).

So no. Tutors should not inform parents of a students state of mind.

But...

They could have more powers to make the student go to a guidance counsellor if they're worried about the state of mind and have the guidance counsellor monitor the student. That I think would be more suitable. Perhaps a refferal to the GP. I think this might be more usful.

[kwicky]

The problem is that most students are under severe stress especially in the final years when so much depends on the exam results. How you separate the suicidal from the others is unlikely to be noticed by tutors and would require a medical diagnosis. A simple solution would be to have a standard questionaire and ask outright if they felt suicidal. Many are crying out for help and it may be a way of bringing up the subject with a councellor.

[sandyg2244]

At 22 I dont think they should have the right to inform the parents.But I think they should have least had ASSIST training which is being rolled out across many professions, a sort of first-aid for those at risk of suicide.It helps people recognise the signs of people in trouble and teaches you how to approach them and direct them towards proper support and medical treatment.its being offered to hairdressers and taxi drivers, why not people in charge of young students, one of the most vulnerable groups at risk of stress and suicial ideation?