India, a country of vibrant cultures and booming industries, is facing a disturbing trend – an increase in student suicides. The National Crime Record Bureau’s recent Accidental Deaths and Suicide in India (ADSI) report spotlighted the disheartening reality. Over 13,000 students, at the rate of more than 35 a day, reportedly died by suicide in 2021 alone. Alarming still, the ADSI reported a 32.15% surge in student suicides since 2017.
Breaking down the statistics, Maharashtra holds the unfortunate title of the state with the highest student suicide numbers. As per the Ministry of Education, central institutions such as IITs and NITs also witnessed 122 student suicides between 2014-21. Among the deceased, 68 belonged to the scheduled castes (SC), scheduled tribes (ST) or other backward classes (OBC).
In India’s academic hub – Kota, the scene is equally distressing. Known for its engineering and medical entrance exam preparations, Kota saw 22 student suicides in just over a year.
Identifying Risk Factors Behind Student Suicides
Several factors contribute to the unnerving rise in student suicides. High academic pressure tops the list, followed by mental health issues, isolation, financial concerns, cyberbullying, substance abuse, relationship problems, and lack of support.
Extreme parental, societal, and self-expectations combined with increased competition create the perfect storm for academic pressure. Such conditions can lead to devastating feelings of failure and hopelessness.
Being away from family and facing unfamiliar surroundings intensify feelings of loneliness and isolation. Coupled with mental health issues like anxiety and depression, these conditions can push students towards suicide.
Among other significant contributors are financial struggles and cyberbullying. With rising tuition fees, students grapple with stress related to financial insecurity. Cyberbullying, an increasing menace in the digital age, can significantly damage a student’s mental health.
Strategies to Help Prevent Student Suicides
Preventing suicide requires collective action and strategic interventions. Prioritising mental health, promoting positive attitudes, focusing on holistic development, encouraging sports participation, addressing socio-economic issues, implementing strict cyberbullying policies, launching substance abuse prevention programs, fostering positive relationships, and ensuring family support are some effective strategies.
Mental health services, such as counselling and support groups, combined with training programs for teachers, staff, and students in mental health aid, can be life-saving resources. Addressing socio-economic factors like poverty and homelessness can improve students’ overall well-being, thus reducing stress and anxiety levels.
Proactive measures against cyberbullying, like educational programs, stricter monitoring, and legal actions, can help foster online safety. Substance abuse prevention programs are equally crucial, comprising elements like spreading awareness, providing support, and reducing drug and alcohol accessibility.
Global and National Initiatives to Reduce Suicides
On a global scale, the International Association for Suicide Prevention, in collaboration with WHO, observes World Suicide Prevention Day annually on September 10th to raise awareness about suicide prevention. World Mental Health Day celebrated on October 10th, focuses on raising mental health awareness and mobilizing global efforts.
In India, several initiatives are in place to tackle the issue. The Mental Healthcare Act (MHA) 2017 aims at providing mental healthcare for the mentally ill. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched a round-the-clock helpline “KIRAN” to assist those plagued with anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and other mental health concerns.
The Ministry of Education’s Manodarpan initiative seeks to provide psychosocial support to students, families, and teachers during the Covid-19 crisis. In 2023, the government announced the first-ever National Suicide Prevention Strategy, aiming at a reduction in suicide mortality by 10% by 2030. This strategy aligns with the World Health Organisation’s South East-Asia Region Strategy for suicide prevention.