Creating safe spaces: a community call to action in Chatsworth

MORE SUPPORT NEEDED

- YOSHINI PERUMAL

WITH a significant rise in teen suicide rates in Chatsworth, community leaders urge parents and teachers to create safe spaces for open conversations and support, addressing the underlying issues contributing to this crisis.

Cyril Pillay, chairperson of the Chatsworth Spiritual Crime Prevention Forum, said the rate of suicide among teens and young adults was due to several factors, including dysfunctional families and bullying.

“Teen suicide has risen considerably in our community in the past three months. Parents, guardians and children are disconnected from each other, and as a result, there is a breakdown of communication.

“Families are dysfunctional, and this has become a social norm.

“While depression remains the number one cause of suicide, the reasons for suicide have evolved over the years. Many young people are victims of substance abuse, bullying, cyber bullying, peer pressure, lack of parenting, and the influence of social media.”

Pillay appealed to parents, community leaders and teachers to play their part in creating safe spaces for young people to confront difficult conversations.

“We as parents, community leaders and teachers need to create safe spaces for young people to confront difficult conversations to curb the rate of suicide among children, teens and young adults. We need to create safe recreational facilities where teens can have fun without the pressure of engaging in self-harming activities.