Tackling Child/Teen Suicide

This is just my opinion, so take it with a grain of salt.

1. It starts at home or within the extended family from young. Every child needs a role model/mentor figure, not an enabler, but someone who guides them towards independent problem solving. Don't coddle them too much but praise the child when they display empathy and generosity.

2. If there are no role models at home, then the school staff and students are depended on to support and develop the children's resilience and teach them to choose their friends wisely.

3. Finally, it takes the rest of the community to raise the child, just like in the kampung days. If your child is often getting into trouble with the community, parents should not bail their child out from negative consequences or punishment. Stay calm and inform your child's teacher or seek external agencies for professional counselling and advice.