Home / Education / Student Suicides Surge: Mental Health Crisis Ignored
Student Suicides Surge: Mental Health Crisis Ignored
21 Nov
Summary
- Student suicides now represent 8.1% of all suicides in India.
- Teacher training and sensitivity are crucial for student well-being.
- Social media and academic pressure increase adolescent vulnerability.
Recent tragedies, including a 16-year-old's suicide note blaming teacher harassment, underscore a severe neglect of student mental health in India. Student suicides constituted 8.1% of all suicides in 2023, with a faster decadal rise than overall suicides. This escalating crisis points to a critical deficiency in school staff's capacity to identify and address mental health concerns.
Adolescents and pre-adolescents are particularly vulnerable due to biological shifts, heightened emotional sensitivity, and external pressures like social media and academic competition. While schools are appointing more counselors and the state offers helplines like Manodarpan, these are insufficient. Classroom and playground staff must be trained to be sensitive, responsive, and watchful, actively monitoring behavior and risks.
An 'all-hands' approach is imperative, involving educational institutions, parents, and the state. India could also consider measures like Australia's ban on social media for under-16s to protect impressionable youth. Addressing familial isolation and fostering better parent-child connections are also vital components of this comprehensive strategy.
