AWARENESS PROJECT: CHILDREN AND SUICIDE - NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH - SEPTEMBER 2025
- Isabel Spies
- Sep 25
- 8 min read
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Every September, the world and South Africa focus attention on suicide prevention:
World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September) sits inside a broader National Suicide Prevention Month of awareness, advocacy and action. The global campaigns aim to reduce stigma, encourage help-seeking, and push governments and communities to strengthen prevention systems — from crisis lines to school mental health services.
In South Africa, civil-society groups (for example, SADAG and regional mental-health coalitions)
and health authorities use September to highlight the disproportionate toll of
suicide on young people and to call for targeted interventions.
HOW BIG IS THE PROBLEM IN SOUTH AFRICA:
Estimates indicate South Africa’s suicide burden is high and rising.
A commonly cited estimate — produced for South African health sector reporting and repeated in recent coverage — places the national suicide rate at about 23.5 deaths per 100,000 population, which equates to roughly 14,000 suicide deaths per year.
Suicide is reported as the second leading cause of death for people aged 15–29 in South Africa, making the issue especially relevant to National Suicide Prevention Month messaging.
At the adolescent and school level, multiple South African organisations and studies point to worrying figures: suicide accounts for an estimated 9% of teenage deaths, and some surveys and program reports suggest up to 20% of high-school learners have attempted to take their own lives or reported suicidal behaviour in lifetime surveys — figures that underline the scale of sub-clinical distress, attempts and ideation among learners.
WHY DO CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS ATTEMPT OR DIE BY SUICIDE?
Suicide in young people is multi-determined: individual vulnerabilities interact with family, school and structural contexts.
The following risk domains emerge consistently in South African research and local NGO reporting.
MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS AND UNTREATED DEPRESSION/ANXIETY:
Clinical depression, severe anxiety, and other psychiatric conditions are core drivers of suicidal ideation and attempts among adolescents.
Many young people do not receive timely diagnosis or treatment because of stigma, limited mental-health services (especially in schools and public clinics), and workforce shortages.
BULLYING (INCLUDING CYBERBULLYING) AND PEER VICTIMISATION:
Both offline and online bullying increase risk.
Adolescents who experience sustained peer rejection, harassment, or sexualised bullying are more likely to develop suicidal thoughts or attempt suicide.
Cyberbullying adds an around-the-clock dimension that can intensify hopelessness. International and local analyses show that bullying is an important proximal trigger.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND ALCOHOL:
Substance misuse (including alcohol) is closely linked with impulsive suicidal behaviour, disinhibition, and co-occurring mental-health problems among youth.
School drug use, experimentation and community availability of substances increase both risk and lethality of attempts.
ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES, ABUSE AND NEGLECT:
Exposure to interpersonal violence, physical or sexual abuse, and neglect is strongly associated with later suicidal ideation and behaviour.
Studies of South African youth document associations between childhood adversity and increased suicidal thoughts.
ECONOMIC AND STRUCTURAL STRESSORS (POVERTY, UNEMPLOYMENT, NEET)
South Africa’s high youth unemployment and the large NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) population contribute to despair and reduced hope for the future — all of which are recognised risk factors for suicidal behaviour.
Estimates place NEET youth in the millions, and NEET status is associated with poorer mental health and higher suicide risk.
ACADEMIC PRESSURE AND EXAM STRESS:
Intense academic expectations, repeated failure, or sudden setbacks (e.g., exam failure or suspension) can precipitate crises among adolescents, especially where mental-health support is lacking.
RELATIONSHIP BREAKDOWNS AND FAMILY CONFLICT:
Breakups, romantic crises, parental separation, or severe family conflict are frequent proximal precipitants in adolescent suicides.
Young people are particularly vulnerable when they have limited adult support.
SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY AND DISCRIMINATION:
LGBTQ+ young people face elevated risk due to rejection, stigma, and sometimes direct harassment — compounded if legal or social protections are weak.
Local and international data point to higher ideation and attempt rates in this group.
ACCESS TO MEANS AND IMPULSIVITY:
The availability of lethal means (e.g., pesticides, medications, firearms in some households) and impulsive behaviour can convert suicidal thoughts into death.
Means-restriction is therefore an important prevention lever.
South Africa’s vital-registration and cause-of-death systems have limitations; different sources use modelling to estimate total suicide counts. That means exact numbers vary between reports, but the overall pattern is clear: suicide is a major,
preventable cause of death for young people and is showing signs of an increase in recent years.
WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDE IN CHILDREN AND TEENS:
Suicidal thoughts and behaviours in young people are often subtle and easily overlooked, especially in the early stages. Many children and teenagers do not directly express their feelings, which makes it essential for adults to notice changes in behaviour, mood, and daily functioning.
1. BEHAVIOURAL WARNING SIGNS:
WITHDRAWAL AND ISOLATION:
Pulling away from family, friends, and activities they once enjoyed.
Spending long periods alone in their room or avoiding social contact.
Refusing to attend school or skipping classes.
SUDDEN DECLINE IN SCHOOL PERFORMANCE:
Sharp drop in grades or loss of interest in schoolwork.
Increased disciplinary problems or unexplained absenteeism.
CHANGES IN SLEEPING OR EATING PATTERNS:
Sleeping too much or too little (insomnia).
Significant weight loss or gain due to changes in appetite.
Complaints of frequent nightmares or disturbed sleep.
NEGLECTING PERSONAL APPEARANCE OR HYGIENE:
Sudden lack of interest in grooming, bathing, or dressing appropriately.
RISK-TAKING OR SELF-DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOUR:
Reckless driving, substance abuse, or risky sexual behaviour.
Increased experimentation with drugs or alcohol.
Self-harm, such as cutting, burning, or headbanging.
GIVING AWAY POSSESSIONS OR "PUTTING AFFAIRS IN ORDER":
Giving away personal belongings that are meaningful to them.
Writing farewell letters, deleting social media accounts, or saying goodbyes in subtle ways.
2. EMOTIONAL WARNING SIGNS:
Emotional red flags often appear before behavioural changes and should never be ignored.
PERSISTENT SADNESS OR HOPELESSNESS:
Expressing feelings of worthlessness or extreme guilt.
Believing that things will never get better.
SUDDEN MOOD SWINGS:
Going from extreme sadness or irritability to sudden calmness may indicate they have decided to end their life.
INTENSE IRRITABILITY OR ANGER:
Frequent emotional outbursts or unusual frustration over small issues.
LOSS OF INTEREST IN ENJOYABLE ACTIVITIES:
Lack of motivation to engage in sports, hobbies, or friendships they previously valued.
EXTREME ANXIETY OR PANIC ATTACKS:
Complaints of physical symptoms like chest pain, rapid heartbeat, or breathlessness are linked to anxiety.
3. VERBAL WARNING SIGNS:
Sometimes, children and teens directly or indirectly communicate suicidal thoughts. These statements must be taken seriously.
DIRECT STATEMENTS:
“I’m going to kill myself.”
“Everyone would be better off without me.”
INDIRECT STATEMENTS:
“I just want to disappear.”
“You won’t have to worry about me much longer.”
“Nothing matters anymore.”
“What’s the point of living?”
Important: Even if these comments sound dramatic or attention-seeking, they should always be treated as serious warning signs.
4. SITUATIONAL OR ENVIRONMENTAL TRIGGERS:
Certain life events or stressors significantly increase the risk of suicidal behaviour, especially in vulnerable children and teens.
BULLYING OR CYBERBULLYING:
Persistent harassment at school or online can cause deep emotional trauma.
RELATIONSHIP BREAKDOWNS:
Breakups, friendship conflicts, or rejection can be devastating for teens.
TRAUMA OR ABUSE:
Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse — especially if ongoing or undisclosed.
ACADEMIC PRESSURE AND FAILURE:
Stress from matric exams, sudden academic setbacks, or being expelled from school.
LOSS OR BEREAVEMENT:
The death of a loved one, especially by suicide, can increase vulnerability.
ECONOMIC OR FAMILY STRESS:
Domestic violence, unemployment, or extreme poverty in the home.
EXPOSURE TO SUICIDE:
Hearing about or witnessing another person’s suicide (including via social media) can trigger imitation — known as the "copycat effect".
5. HIGH-RISK GROUPS:
Certain groups of children and teens are at higher risk due to stigma, discrimination, or lack of support:
LGBTQ+ youth facing rejection or bullying.
Children with mental health disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, or ADHD.
Youth with a history of trauma or abuse.
Children of parents struggling with substance abuse or domestic violence.
Teens who have made a previous suicide attempt.
6. EMERGENCY RED FLAGS:
These require immediate action and possibly emergency intervention:
Talking about wanting to die or actively planning suicide.
Actively searching for methods to harm themselves (e.g., online searches, obtaining pills or weapons).
Writing a suicide note or posting alarming messages on social media.
Sudden, unexplained calmness after a long period of depression — this may indicate they have decided to act.
PRACTICAL STEPS FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS:
TAKE ALL WARNING SIGNS SERIOUSLY:
Do not dismiss statements as attention-seeking or dramatic.
ASK DIRECT QUESTIONS:
It is safe to ask, “Are you thinking about suicide?”
This does not plant the idea in their mind but shows support.
REMOVE ACCESS TO MEANS:
Lock away medications, firearms, sharp objects, and other lethal means.
GET PROFESSIONAL HELP IMMEDIATELY:
Contact a psychologist, psychiatrist, or GP for referral.
In urgent cases, take the child to the nearest emergency room or call emergency services.
USE CRISIS LINES:
SADAG Suicide Crisis Helpline (24/7): 0800 567 567
Childline SA: 08000 55 555
Lifeline South Africa: 0861 322 322
Suicide among children and teens is a growing concern in South Africa, where it is now one of the leading causes
of death for people aged 15–29. Many young people show warning signs well before an attempt,
but these signals are often missed or misinterpreted.
By staying vigilant and recognising behavioural, emotional, verbal, and situational indicators, adults can intervene early, potentially saving a life. A strong support network — including families, schools, and communities —
combined with accessible mental health resources, is essential to combat this tragic and preventable loss.
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