Indicators that might serve to warn of the danger of adolescent suicide include:

Indicators that might serve to warn of the danger of adolescent suicide include:

• A. Remarks by adolescents that things would be better if they were no longer around
• B. Sudden improvement in academic performance
• C. Increased engagement in sports
• D. Taking longer to sleep

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is recognizing direct verbal expressions of suicidal intent as a critical risk cue. When an adolescent says that things would be better if they were no longer around, it signals explicit thoughts about dying and a potential plan to act. That kind of statement requires urgent risk assessment and immediate steps to ensure safety, including involving trusted adults and mental health professionals. Other options describe changes that are common in adolescence but don’t convey an explicit intent to die. A sudden improvement in grades can be a neutral or even positive sign and doesn’t inherently indicate danger. Increased engagement in sports is generally protective and reflects coping or social connection rather than imminent risk. Taking longer to sleep may reflect distress or depression but doesn’t, by itself, indicate a clear plan or intent to harm oneself. Any expression of not wanting to live should prompt a careful, supportive response and professional evaluation to assess risk and establish safety. If there is immediate danger, contact emergency services.

The main idea here is recognizing direct verbal expressions of suicidal intent as a critical risk cue. When an adolescent says that things would be better if they were no longer around, it signals explicit thoughts about dying and a potential plan to act. That kind of statement requires urgent risk assessment and immediate steps to ensure safety, including involving trusted adults and mental health professionals.

Other options describe changes that are common in adolescence but don’t convey an explicit intent to die. A sudden improvement in grades can be a neutral or even positive sign and doesn’t inherently indicate danger. Increased engagement in sports is generally protective and reflects coping or social connection rather than imminent risk. Taking longer to sleep may reflect distress or depression but doesn’t, by itself, indicate a clear plan or intent to harm oneself.

Any expression of not wanting to live should prompt a careful, supportive response and professional evaluation to assess risk and establish safety. If there is immediate danger, contact emergency services.