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Student Messaging is an optional feature that displays a customizable message on a student’s screen when Beacon detects activity associated with Suicide or Self Harm phases. Only Super Users and Super Counselors can configure this setting.
This feature is turned off by default.

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Review the Default Message

The default student message is approved by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and the American Association of Suicidology (AAS). It provides students with support resources and encourages them to speak with a trusted adult. The default message reads:
It seems like you might be having thoughts of suicide. We want you to know we care about you and want to help. If you’d like to speak with someone right now, just call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or text HOME to 741741. You can also visit 988lifeline.org for more resources. Please consider reaching out to your parents, school counselors, friends, or someone else you trust as well.
You can review and edit the default message in Beacon Settings. The message connects students with resources and support information when Beacon detects concerning activity.
The default message content is reviewed and approved by AFSP and AAS. If you edit the default text, ensure that your revised message follows safe messaging guidelines before saving.

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Configure Student Messaging

  1. Go to beacon.goguardian.com and sign in.
  2. Click Settings from the navigation menu.
  3. Select Student Messaging.
  4. Toggle on the Student Messaging feature.
  5. Choose when students should receive messages when alerts are generated:
    • Always — both during and after school
    • During School — during the hours defined in your School Hours setting
    • After School — outside of defined school hours
  6. Review the default message. Edit if needed. Ensure any changes follow safe messaging guidelines.
  7. Click Save Changes at the bottom of the page. Confirm in the pop-up window.
Before enabling student messaging, ensure that staff are prepared to support any student who receives a message. The confirmation step requires you to acknowledge that your school has provided students with the information they need to respond.
Beacon Student Messaging Preferences and Settings Window

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Configure School Hours

School Hours are defined by a Super User or Super Counselor under Beacon Settings > School Hours. The time of day options for student messaging use those defined hours.

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Resources

Threats and Violence Student Messaging

Configure student messaging for Threats and Violence alerts.

Alert Phases

Descriptions of each phase detected by Beacon, including Suicide Ideation and Self Harm.

Configure School Hours

Define the school hours window that governs notification and messaging timing.

Configure Beacon Settings

Overview of all Beacon configuration options.
Last modified on July 9, 2026