We are fighting two deadly enemies right now. One, the pandemic of Covid and the other, teen suicides. While the virus can be identified easily, the same cannot be said for suicide. The story of suicide is probably as old as that of the man himself. Through the ages, suicide has variously been glorified, romanticized and even condemned. WHO recognizes suicide as a public health priority. The first WHO World Suicide Report “Preventing suicide: a global imperative”, was published in 2014.
The stats of teen suicides are exhilarative. More than 700 000 people die due to suicide every year. A recent survey found that suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15 to 19 years old. For every one suicide, there are more than 24 attempts.
Why is there a sudden increase in the rate of suicides among teenagers? What changed in this generation that they would go to an extent as killing themselves?
Excessive usage of social media with no control over the content or the time can be blamed for the spike. The increase of social media among teens and the increase of suicides are directly linked. Photo sharing social media platforms like Instagram, which is very popular among teens and young adults as well, has become very popular in recent years. Time spent on these apps is unreal. They are always fed with pictures and videos of “influencers” which are either altered a lot or unreal. This is where the actual problem starts. Teens and young adults of this generation, and of the generations to come, want the best. They want the best looks, best car, best clothes. They are status-driven, hungry for pleasure people.
These platforms have spiked comparison game among the teens, that in turn has led to identity crises. In this time of crisis, the role of a supportive adult is necessary. This comparison game can quickly turn into bottled feelings, loneliness, low confidence and feeling awful about themselves. If this cycle can be broken, it can bring the person back to the real world where they are good enough for anything.
When teens stop comparing themselves with some random stranger they see over the screen, things can start to change. But how can someone not look at the photos of celebrities when they are surrounded by them all the time?
Giving correct guidance from childhood plays an important role. There is no way that social media can be stopped now. It is only expanding and it will only expand. Teens must be taught that they matter. Make them feel understood and heard. These can be simple things but these simple things can have a profound effect.
We are moving towards a fast phased world with very few real social connections. Let us teach our next generation that it is cool to care. Breaking the toxic cycle of comparison will eventually prevent many suicides.
Due to the lockdown, there has been an increase in suicides. This can be due to spending a lot of time on social media.
The only ray of hope for this enemy is education. Educating teens as well as parents. It is never too late.
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