The issue of suicide among children is a deeply concerning and complex phenomenon. It can be more complicated in Asian societies, due to the stigma attached to mental health issues. While children are often perceived as being resilient and carefree, they too can experience significant mental health challenges that may lead to thoughts of suicide.
According to a report by Samaritans of Singapore (SOS)*, the number of suicide deaths in 2022 and 2023 were the highest at 32.4% and 29.2% respectively for those aged 10 to 29.
There are many factors that push a child or youth to the brink of no return. Children may face immense pressure to excel in school, caused by parental expectations and societal norms. There are also factors such as self-expectation, peer relationships and personal struggles. The fear of disappointing their families or falling behind academically also play a part in building up stress, anxiety and feelings of hopelessness among children.
Mental health issues and seeking help are often stigmatised in many Asian cultures. Often, seeking help is seen as a sign of weakness. This stigma can prevent children and their families from seeking timely and appropriate mental health support. Children may hesitate to express their feelings or seek help as they fear being misunderstood, judged and becoming a burden to others.
In support of vulnerable children and young persons (CYPs), our Student Service @ Children’s Society (SSC) team held a workshop on “Understanding suicide risks in our children and young persons and how to support them”. The Centre oversees the operations of Tinkle Friend from Singapore Children’s Society.
Ahmad Taufiq from the Tinkle Friend team giving a presentation to the volunteers about understanding suicide risks in our CYPs
The workshop was a collaboration between the Community and Volunteer Relations team (CVR) and the Appropriate Adult Scheme for Young Suspects programme (AAYS) to further upskill the volunteers from AAYS. The interactive workshop, which was attended by 45 volunteers, aimed to impart and deepen knowledge and skills to help support CYPs with suicide risks.
Mr Loh Aik Khoon from the CVR team speaking about the potential volunteer opportunities with Children’s Society
The workshop focused on the difference between self-harm and suicide risks.
- Self-harm is a temporary escape from unimaginable distress.
- Suicide is a permanent escape from unimaginable distress with the intention to end one’s life.
During the workshop, our staff engaged the volunteers in discussions on the myths and facts of suicide and also shared global and local statistics.
The concept of PyschAche was also shared with the volunteers to give them a perspective on what goes on in the mind of an individual with suicide thoughts, along with some of the common struggles that our children may experience.
Volunteers listening attentively during the workshop
The volunteers learnt about how to be Alert to verbal and non-verbal warning signs.
Assist the CYPs in distress by responding to them with care, concern and empathy. Volunteers were also taught how to ask questions on suicide in a tactful and empathetic manner.
Support CYPs by educating and sharing with them that there are various support resources available in the community.
Hear what a few of our attendees had to say after the workshop:
The volunteers ended their day feeling more confident on how they should approach and support any CYPs who may be experiencing distress.
Group photo of the staff at Children’s Society and the AAYS volunteers
If you know of any child who needs support, please let them know that help is always available at Tinkle Friend.
Call us at 1800 2744 788 from Monday to Friday at 2.30pm to 5.00pm or chat with us at Tinklefriend.sg on Monday to Thursday at 2.30pm to 7.00pm and Friday from 2.30pm to 5.00pm.
To find out more about Tinkle Friend and our services, visit tinklefriend.sg.
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*Sources
SUICIDE NUMBERS DECLINE IN SINGAPORE, BUT VIGILANCE MUST CONTINUE – Samaritans of Singapore (SOS)