Addressing teenage suicide

The incidence of suicide in Bangladesh has been increasing over the years. What is more alarming is that most of these people who are attempting to or committing suicide are students. A recent report has found that at least 532 school, college, and university students killed themselves across the country in 2022. According to the report, the highest 76 per cent of victims were from the 13 to 19 years age group. Girls accounted for 63 per cent of all victims. Experts think that the rise in suicide among the teenagers is happening for many reasons such as break-ups, academic pressure, stress, unemployment and frustration.
The tendency of committing suicide needs immediate attention. We should raise awareness about suicide prevention among our youths. Parents should take care when their children are leaving and when they are returning home and what they do in their room. Strengthening family bonds is also very important in preventing suicides among youngsters. Parents should be aware of any change in their children's behaviour and set aside enough time for them. To prevent suicide, every educational institution should have facilities for regular counselling. In every institution, students should be kept busy in various social activities. They should also be informed of the importance of life, too.

Afroza Sheikh,
Dania, Dhaka,
ilcbd2008@gmail.com