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Teen suicides: Parents must know warning signs

I refer to the article “Teen suicides last year highest in more than a decade, says SOS” (July 26).

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CHERYL LIM YIN ZI

I refer to the article “Teen suicides last year highest in more than a decade, says SOS” (July 26).

The teenage years can be a difficult and emotional time, when young people struggle with their studies, and have issues finding their identity and a sense of belonging, among other factors. Some require more attention and guidance as they try to adapt to these changes.

It is more important than ever, with the continuing rise of social media, that parents and adults know the warning signs of teens feeling suicidal.

This is because negative online influences can steer teenagers towards wrong mindsets for dealing with stress, such as through self-harming.

Many young people find it difficult to talk about their struggles and, thus, they may easily be misled into taking the wrong actions.

Social media may also lead to additional stresses, such as cyberbullying.

Adults can keep a close eye on teenagers around them, but they must know what to look out for when it comes to indications of depression or social withdrawal.

As the article reported, the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) said that young people appear reluctant to seek help from family members during a crisis, with the fear of being judged and of the reactions that they may receive from family members being possible reasons.

For parents, they must know they can seek help from suicide prevention agencies such as the SOS.

Teenagers must also be equipped with the knowledge to deal with cyberbullying.

They must feel that they have someone they can trust and talk to with ease, such as their parents, siblings, teacher or psychiatrist.

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