To enhance the resilience of youths, schools will provide opportunities for students acquire social-emotional skills to enable them to cope with life's challenges.

Minister of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS), Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, stated this in his reply to MP Cynthia Phua's queries on suicide among the young.

In statistics stated in his reply, 14 young persons below the age of 21 committed suicide last year. There were 19 cases in 2007 and 15 in 2006. This makes it 48 youth suicides in three years.

Measures by the government to address the problem of teen suicides include building greater resiliency in young people, strengthening suicide prevention measures, providing professional intervention and increasing public awareness on the issue.

Below are the questions and replies, in full.

Mdm Cynthia Phua: To ask the Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports (a) how many young people below the age of 21 committed suicide over the last three years; (b) what are the main causes of the suicides; (c) what lessons can be learnt from these cases so that such future suicides may be prevented; and (d) what is the Ministry doing to address this problem. 

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan:

In 2008, 14 young persons below the age of 21 committed suicide.  There were 19 and 15 in 2007 and 2006 respectively.

Each suicide represents a tragedy for the family and loved ones involved. Each case is unique, and we should not simplistically over-generalise the causes that lead to suicide. The medical literature indicates that multiple factors, including depression, desperation, emotional instability, anxiety or inability to deal with stress may all play a role. 

The main lesson for us is that a person who is resilient and who is well supported by family and friends will be better able to cope with the many challenges of life. Early detection and professional advice will also be useful

Government’s Approach:

Given the complexity of the problem, the Government adopts a multi-pronged strategy and a many helping hands approach to prevent suicide. 

Increase Youth Resiliency

Firstly, we aim to build greater resiliency in young people.  Our schools provide opportunities for students acquire social-emotional skills to enable them to cope with life's challenges.  This enhances their resilience.  An example is The “Mind Your Mind” programme launched by the Health Promotion Board in collaboration with the Ministry of Education.  The programme targets primary and secondary school students and covers topics such as stress and anger management, building positive self-esteem and recognizing depression.  Resiliency and character building are also elements that are built into many of my Ministry’s programmes and services targeting young people.

Strengthen the Supporting Ecosystems

Secondly, we work with community partners and supporting ecosystems on preventive measures to reduce suicidal tendencies. Families play a crucial role as the first source of care and emotional support for the young.  MCYS strives to build strong and stable families through our various initiatives such as our series of family life education programmes.  In schools, teachers, school counselors, and guidance specialists are also trained to actively identify and support students in distress.  Support services are also available at the Family Service Centers and most social service agencies.

On top of this, the Samaritans of Singapore runs a 24-hour crisis hotline to counsel anyone in distress, including those with suicidal tendencies.  Past record suggested that young people contemplating suicides do indeed make use of this hotline to seek help in addressing their concerns and suicidal thoughts.

Provide Professional Intervention

Thirdly, the Government engages health workers and social service professionals to identify and help high risk individuals such as youth in crisis.  Treatment programmes available in our healthcare institutions include the Child Guidance Clinic under the Institute of Mental Health.  The Institute of Mental Health also works with general practitioners in the community to provide the first line of treatment. 

Increase Public Awareness

Fourth, research has consistently shown that early identification of warning signs of suicidal thoughts is an important factor in preventing suicides.  One important approach is therefore to increase public awareness of mental health issues and to promote mental wellbeing.  The annual Suicide Prevention Week by the Samaritans of Singapore, for example, helps to increase public’s understanding of suicidal thoughts and the available avenues for help.  Through talks and workshops, members of the public are equipped with information on where one could seek help, and how to identify early warning signs.

Whilst on this subject of public awareness, I would also like to make a plea for the mass media not to over-sensationalise cases of suicide. We do not want to cause even more pain to the remaining family members, and certainly do not want to promote copy cat suicides.

Conclusion:

We must all do our part to identify, reach out and enable vulnerable persons to access the support services available. We also need to be especially supportive to the families whose lives have been torn apart by the impact of a suicide.