Following school tragedy, adults need to make reasonable, responsible decisions

After a series of suicides in Edmond earlier this year, school officials beefed up the district's suicide prevention efforts and provided training for parents and other interested adults. None of those deaths happened at school, though.

Parents are often told the best think they can do is communicate with their children. It's true, even if it isn't always easy.

Suicide isn't a logical reaction to any sort of struggle. It's impossible to know what measures might have saved Poulos' life. No policy or safety measure is foolproof against a person determined to do harm to himself or others. The best reaction so soon after a heartbreaking incident is to assess and question but not overreact — especially when the hearts and minds of teenagers are so vulnerable.

They need clear-thinking adults making reasonable, responsible decisions.