World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), observed annually on the 10th of September, is an important initiative designed to raise global awareness about suicide prevention. Established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), WSPD highlights the need for open dialogue and the reduction of stigma around suicide. The triennial theme (2024-2026), ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’, emphasises the need to shift our perceptions and promote understanding, especially when addressing the needs of vulnerable populations such as children and adolescents.
Understanding Suicide Risk in Children and Adolescents
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people aged 10 to 24, making it a critical public health issue that demands immediate attention. Key risk factors for suicide are varied and complex, including, underlying mental health problems, previous suicide attempts, a family history of mental illness or suicide, substance abuse, loneliness, experiencing loss, witnessing violence, living through humanitarian emergencies, and experiencing bullying. Additionally, although digital environments like social media can expose youth to cyber-victimisation and potentially lead to smartphone and internet addiction, the overall impact of these environments on suicide prevalence remains inconclusive, with several studies suggesting that internet access and usage are positive predictors of well-being, independent of other plausible factors. This demonstrates that a multifaceted approach is required to effectively address and prevent youth suicide. The Saving and Empowering Young Lives in Europe (SEYLE) project, which aimed to assess the impact of three suicide prevention interventions in 11 countries across Europe highlights the importance of evidence-based school-based mental health interventions, such as the Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM) program. The YAM program prioritises interactive learning for mental health literacy and creates a supportive environment for students to role-play and discuss real-life scenarios. It has led to a 55% reduction in new cases of suicide attempts and a 50% reduction in severe suicidal ideation amongst over 11,000 youth.
Recognising warning signs such as withdrawal 
from social interactions, noticeable mood changes, being preoccupied with death, decreased school performance, and expressions of hopelessness as early as possible can be crucial in preventing suicide. Preventing suicide in children and adolescents requires a different approach than in adults. Age-appropriate interventions are essential, as children and teens are still developing cognitively and emotionally. Barriers to seeking help such as stigma, geographical location, fear of being judged, and being unaware of available services can prevent children from reaching out and accessing the help they need. This fear is often exacerbated by communication gaps between children, their parents, and educators, who may not recognise or respond appropriately to signs of distress.
Organisations and Support Networks in Suicide Prevention
Organisations and support networks play a crucial role in spreading awareness about mental health symptoms and prevalence, providing affordable mental health support, changing public attitudes, and empowering individuals with mental health problems to take an active stance in their recovery. Apart from offering children a safe, confidential space to voice their emotions, many organisations research best practices in mental health support and suicide prevention, contributing to the development and implementation of evidence-based, targeted interventions.
One such organisation is Child Helpline International (CHI), which plays a pivotal role in supporting vulnerable children and adolescents worldwide by coordinating a network of associated child helplines that provide a platform for seeking anonymous support. These child helplines offer immediate support, counselling, and referrals to mental health services, successfully identifying and assisting at-risk children in a timely manner. Such services also increase access to mental health support for children living in remote areas. CHI also provides learning opportunities to its child helpline members to support their work and continue to develop quality within the child helplines.
The Role of Technology and AI in Suicide Prevention
Technology has emerged as a powerful ally in the fight against suicide, particularly since the number of young people preferring to seek support through online services such as helplines has been on the rise. The Stay Alive app is an excellent example of how technology can provide critical support to those in need by offering several resources, including safety plans, coping strategies, wellness plans, and direct links to local support services, allowing for quick and discrete accessibility.
In situations where accessing support and protection from online services is the only option, initiatives like Protection through Online Participation (PoP) seek to bridge the digital divide by ensuring that every child has access to online protection systems. Through collaborative efforts with global partners and evidence-based approaches, POP seeks to understand how youths use the Internet to access protection, aiming to improve the effectiveness of online safety mechanisms and ensure that children can safely access the support they need.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is also playing a growing role in identifying and preventing suicide. AI-driven algorithms can analyse social media posts, text messages, and online behaviour to detect early signs of suicidal ideation. Upon identifying potential risks, these systems can alert parents, caregivers, or mental health professionals. However, the use of AI in this context raises important ethical considerations, particularly around privacy, autonomy, and the potential for misuse. It is crucial that these technologies are developed and implemented in ways that protect the confidentiality and dignity of young users.
Preventing youth suicide requires a comprehensive approach that includes education, open dialogue, and access to appropriate mental health services. By starting conversations, breaking down stigma, and utilising all available resources, we can create a safer, more supportive environment for our young people.
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