Experts Urge Change Amid Rising Student Suicides in India

As outrage over student suicides intensifies, experts are calling for reforms to create "mentally healthy schools" while angry parents' associations are demanding "government takeover" of institutions linked to such cases. In all, the focus is on systematic changes to prevent further loss of young lives.

- Press Trust Of India

On Tuesday, a class 10 student of the St Columba's School of New Delhi, who once dreamt of becoming "the next Shah Rukh Khan", took a fatal step and jumped from the platform of Rajendra Place Metro Station on Tuesday, following months of alleged harassment by his teachers.

While the tragic incident has sparked nationwide debate, with some blaming schools and others siding with parents, mental health expert Neha Kirpal cautions that such polarisation is misplaced.

She emphasises that "suicidality is everyone's responsibility" -- encompassing teachers, parents, caregivers, staff, and the wider community -- and no one can absolve themselves of it.

"PTAs and school associations need to collaborate to address suicidality systemically and preventively. Suicidal thoughts rarely emerge and act out suddenly; they progress through multiple phases, often overlooked due to myths or assumptions.

"The public narrative of sudden shock often absolves society of responsibility, even though warning signs usually exist. It is crucial to recognise these signs early and respond in a safe, supportive manner for the child," Kirpal, co-founder of Amaha Health and India Mental Health Alliance, told PTI.

There has been a spate of such tragic incidents in recent weeks.

Apart from the Delhi case, a 17-year-old class 11 student in Madhya Pradesh's Rewa died by suicide after alleging that a male teacher had physically assaulted her.