Suicide is a tough topic for a discussion with your middle school student.  However, know that many students would benefit from an age appropriate discussion with the adults in their lives.  When you think about some issues your children face as they watch television, engage in social media, play video games, etc...,  it is important for them to know that they can come to you with their questions and engage in an honest discussion. It is a misconception that talking about suicide will encourage suicidal thoughts.  The evidence indicates the opposite.

I have included some links to articles that can help you to explore this topic and better prepare should you decide to have a discussion with your child about suicide:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/family-and-trauma/202009/talking-your-kids-about-suicide

https://news.yahoo.com/talk-children-suicide-age-age-132112611.html

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/psychoanalysis-unplugged/201807/speaking-your-teen-about-suicide