EC Paediatrics

The escalation of child suicides presents a concerning trend in recent years, prompting a critical examination of its underlying causes and potential preventive measures. This article delves into the complex landscape of child suicide, exploring its multifaceted nature and offering insights into effective prevention strategies.

Child suicide, though less prevalent than other causes of mortality in children, demands special attention due to its profound impact on families and communities worldwide. Factors contributing to this distressing trend encompass mental health issues, traumatic experiences, familial challenges, societal pressures, and accessibility to means of suicide. Additionally, specific risk factors such as family history, trauma, mental health disorders, behavioral issues, social isolation, and discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation heighten vulnerability among children.

The manifestations of child suicide range from suicidal ideation to attempts and completed suicides, leaving devastating consequences for survivors and communities. Effective prevention strategies encompass a comprehensive approach, including education and awareness campaigns, promotion of mental health, early identification and treatment of mental health disorders, fostering supportive environments, early intervention, and reducing access to lethal means.

In conclusion, addressing the escalation of child suicides necessitates a concerted effort involving various stakeholders. By implementing multifaceted prevention strategies and fostering supportive environments, we can work towards safeguarding the well-being of children and building a safer future for generations to come.

 Keywords: Child Suicides; Prevention Strategies; Safeguarding; Well-Being of Children

1. Liu RT., et al. “Prevalence and correlates of suicide and nonsuicidal self-injury in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis”. JAMA Psychiatry7 (2022): 718-726.
2. Morthorst BR., et al. “[Suicide prevention clinics for children and adolescents in The Capital Region of Denmark]”. Ugeskrift for Laeger 15 (2021): V09200693.
3. Becker M and Correll CU. “Suicidality in childhood and adolescence”. Deutsches Ärzteblatt international 15 (2020): 261-267.
4. Hinze V., et al. “Pain and suicidality in children and adolescents: a longitudinal population-based study”. European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 8 (2023): 1507-1517.
5. Silva Filho OCD and Minayo MCS. “Triple taboo: considerations about suicide among children and adolescents”. Ciência & Saúde Coletiva 7 (2021): 2693-2698.
6. Guo JW., et al. “Text analysis of suicide risk in adolescents and young adults”. Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association 1 (2024): 169-173.