Opinion It is not ‘attitude problem’ that drives young people to suicide
True care requires shifting our focus from marks and achievements to emotional health, human dignity, and the protection of every child’s right to happiness
It is time to reflect on our collective role in nurturing young minds. Children must not be exposed to violence, intolerance, or discrimination of any kind (Express Photo by Gurmeet Singh) 
Our conscience has been shaken by a series of tragic teenage suicides in recent months, which have led to significant institutional reflection. On November 18, a 16-year-old Class X student at St Columba’s School in Delhi died by suicide. Classmates claim that he had repeatedly reported suicidal thoughts to the school counsellor. On November 28, in Jaipur, a 13-year-old boy was found hanging at his aunt’s house. The same day, a 16-year-old girl in Chandigarh was reported to have died by suicide.
These incidents have reignited urgent debate about institutional responsibility, mental-health infrastructure in schools, and the pressures faced by young students. In March 2025, the National Task Force on Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention (NTF) was constituted by the Supreme Court of India, which is supposed to evaluate mental-health conditions in educational institutions and suggest reforms.
We feel a strong sense of shared responsibility in the wake of these terrible tragedies. Rather than a single culprit, it seems that a complex web of factors is driving our children toward despair. Some blame the relentless, distorted mirrors of social media, a world that constantly seeks approval and demands perfection but only offers loneliness, jealousy, and comparison. Others point to the fast speed of consumerism and competition, a system that judges a young life based on grades, ranks, and external accomplishments rather than inherent value. Many blame the intense expectations of parents, whose ambitions often overshadow a child’s needs. Such tragedies may seem almost inevitable under the changing lifestyles and environments that contribute to rising depression.
Our society is growing increasingly transactional and heartless: In coaching centres that see children as test-takers rather than human beings, in schools where compassion is subordinate to performance, and in homes where pressure is confused with love. In a society that ignores vulnerability and silent suffering, even the most resilient child can make mistakes.
Experts emphasise that a single incident rarely causes suicidality in children. It stems from long-term distress. Rarely do children express this pain directly; instead, it manifests itself through behavioural changes, mood swings, withdrawal, or subtle cues. Experts emphasise how vulnerability is increased by high parental expectations, growing academic competition, and cyberbullying. However, a common misconception among adults is that children are too young to go through serious emotional pain. Unfortunately, their struggles are often misread as misbehaviour or attitude problems, delaying support and increasing risk. Recognising these signs early and responding with understanding is essential to preventing such tragedies.
A senior psychology professor from Delhi University notes that intense negative emotions can overwhelm individuals to the point where coping feels impossible, making death appear as an escape. This pattern is seen across groups, from distressed farmers to pressured students or frontline workers, who often feel controlled by larger political, social, and economic forces, creating deep alienation and meaninglessness. Suicidal behaviour may also follow what others in similar situations do, reinforcing the idea of death as relief. Suicide ultimately represents a conflict between structural pressures and individual struggles.
It is time to reflect on our collective role in nurturing young minds. Children must not be exposed to violence, intolerance, or discrimination of any kind. Teachers need to lead with empathy, parents must listen and support without conditions, and society should ensure every child feels seen and included. The government, too, must prioritise children’s emotional well-being over political interests. If we ignore their inner struggles, any child, regardless of background, can be drawn into despair. True care requires shifting our focus from marks and achievements to emotional health, human dignity, and the protection of every child’s right to happiness.
The writer teaches at Dr B R Ambedkar College, University of Delhi
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