Youth suicide in India

Source-This post on Youth suicide in India has been created based on the article “Gone too soon – the subject of youth suicide in India” published in “The Hindu” on 6 April 2024.

UPSC Syllabus – GS Paper 2 – Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

Context– As per the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reports, 1.71 lakh people have died by suicide in 2022. The suicide rate has increased to 12.4 per 1,00,000 which is the highest rate ever recorded in India.

As per a current review of adolescent suicides in India, the most reported risk factors were mental health problems (54%), negative or traumatic family issues (36%), academic stress (23%), social and lifestyle factors (20%), violence (22%), economic distress (9.1%) and relationship factors (9%

What are some of the issues with the data on suicides?

The numbers of suicides are underestimated in India due to an inadequate registration system, the lack of medical certification of death, stigma and other factors.

What are the reasons behind rising youth suicide rates in India?

Suicide is a complex human behavior, and it is difficult to find a single causative factor.However,there are certain common triggering factors of suicides such as-

1) Young Girls-There are specific socio-cultural factors for suicide among young girls and women such as-
A) Arranged and early marriages, embracing young motherhood, low social status, domestic violence and economic dependence on men.

B) Gender-based discrimination and rigidity in gender roles are also responsible for young girls’ suicides.

2) Cutting throat competition– Competitive examinations have pushed many students to the edge. There is tremendous pressure to get into colleges and disproportionate media hype around results and months of pent-up pressures and emotions, all this leads to rise in suicidal tendencies.

3) Rise in Alcohol and substance use- There has been an increase in alcohol consumption and substance abuse. They also contribute to youth suicides.

4) Role of the internet– A meta-analysis across 19 states in India found that about 20% of college students are addicted to the internet. One-third of young individuals experience cyberbullying, and within this group, one-third report suicidal tendencies. Further, teenagers who spend more than two hours a day on social media exhibit higher suicidal tendencies.

5) Role of media-The media has a strong influence on vulnerable young people. There has been a rise in sensational reporting of suicide especially after the suicide of famous actor. As a result of this, there was a significant increase in searches on Google on “how to commit suicide”.

What steps can be taken to reduce suicidal tendencies among youths in India?

1) Help-seeking behavior– There is a need for encouraging help-seeking behavior among youth.They  can be taught problem solving, impulse control and emotional regulation.

2) Identification of mental problems– There should be early identification of mental distress and provision of care in a youth-friendly environment.

3) Lifestyle changes– Youth can be encouraged to adopt a healthy lifestyle and maintain a good diet.They can engage in cultivating supportive friendships, yoga and meditation.

4) Role of family– There is a need to improve the family environment by reducing domestic violence and alcohol consumption.

5) Education reform-The government should undertake educational reforms such as alternative assessment methods and provisions to explore the potential of a young person.

6) Role of society-Society should play a constructive role by reducing stigma and discrimination based on caste, religion and sexuality.

7) Effective implementation of National Suicide Prevention Strategy for India- The strategy was launched with the objective of reducing suicide by 10% by 2030.It highlighted the significance of inter-ministerial collaboration between the Ministries of Health, Education, Information and Broadcasting, and Social Welfare for better outcome.

Read more- Students suicide in India

Question for practice

What are the reasons behind rising youth suicide rates in India? Highlight the steps to be taken to address the issue?