The South African Government on Thursday, called on parents and teachers to make it a point of duty to protect young learners from the harsh realities of life, which often overwhelm them.
In a statement shared on X, the Government said it had noted with concern the growing cases of school children indulging in self-harm and attempting suicide.
“Government has noted with concern the increase in cases of self-harm and suicide attempts among high school pupils,” one of the itemised points read.
The statement encouraged adults responsible for children, to ensure a safer and healthier space for them to thrive in school and be better people in society; while urging children to also speak up about their challenges or seek immediate help when the need arises.
“The protection of our learners is everybody’s business. We must all do more to prevent young people from taking their lives.
“It is our duty to create safer and healthier communities so children can thrive in school and in society.
“We must show our children that they are not alone, and that help is available.
“Parents are encouraged to have regular discussions with their children about their well-being. Ask your children about their school activities every day.
“Children are also encouraged to speak up, always seek help when you feel overwhelmed or unhappy.
“For help, call the Suicide Line: 0800 567 567 or Lifeline 0861 322 322,” the statement read.
The wake-up call from the Government comes barely a month after the Gauteng Department of Basic Education in the country raised alarm over the soaring rates of suicide among young learners in the country.
According to the Department, schools in Gauteng recorded at least 40 suicide cases among school children in the last eight months of 2023.
Operations Director at the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) Cassey Chambers, confirmed in a conversation with Bongani Bingwa that suicide rates among teenagers were at an all-time high. He urged that appropriate action be taken to curtail the menace.
The Operations Director out of over 16 schools that SADAG visited, none could boast of not experiencing a suicide or suicide attempt from learners.
“So many students opened up about the complex issues they are experiencing. We as a collective need to do so much more to support our kids. No family, parent, or community should be losing someone to suicide, especially a child,” he said.
The National Centre for Child Protection early this month, said “20% of high school pupils have tried to take their lives.”
“It’s crucial to recognise that suicide among children is underreported in South Africa. Stigma, cultural beliefs, and the sensitive nature of these cases often lead to families keeping such tragedies private,” CEO Danie Van Loggerenberg said.
“A child losing their life to suicide should not be normal. It is our view that if the child ends up committing suicide, a number of or all protective systems are not functional in the child’s life, therefore all of us are lacking in the care and protection of a child.
“We encourage children who feel that they are going through more than they may deal with to contact a counsellor at Childline by calling our 24-hour toll-free line,” CEO of Childline South Africa, Dumisile Nala,said.
