The author presents findings from the first stage of the nationwide research project “Suicidology – Analysis of the State of Knowledge and Educational Campaign”, commissioned by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education and conducted by the Mikołaj Kopernik University. The project aims to diagnose the level of public awareness regarding suicide among children and adolescents and to develop evidence-based preventive and educational strategies. The study involved primary school teachers, general practitioners, and students of medical and pedagogical disciplines. The article outlines the research methodology, selected results from sociological and qualitative analyses, and a review of media coverage from 2010 to 2024. Key risk factors (e.g. peer violence, social isolation, lack of emotional support) and protective factors (e.g. interpersonal relationships, effective communication, access to professional help) were identified, along with systemic challenges in psychological care and education. The article emphasizes the critical role of responsible media communication and the need for integrated, community-based actions. This publication is part of the second stage of the project, which focuses on the implementation of a nationwide educational programme and dissemination of research findings by the team, of which the author is a member.