Why have student suicides in Kerala surged by 50%?
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Synopsis
The alarming rise of student suicides in Kerala over the past decade underscores a pressing mental health crisis among schoolchildren. With a near 50% increase in cases, the need for effective support systems and accountability has never been more urgent. This article explores the factors contributing to this tragic trend and the initiatives aimed at addressing it.
Key Takeaways
- Student suicides in Kerala have surged by nearly 50%.
- 39,962 suicides were reported between January 2021 and March 2025.
- Kozhikode recorded 53 student suicides in the 2022-23 academic year.
- The Kerala government is training 3,000 teachers as mental health counselors.
- Timely counseling could prevent many tragedies.
Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 16 (NationPress) The alarming trend of student suicides in Kerala has surged by nearly 50 percent over the last decade, intensifying concerns regarding the mental well-being of school-aged children.
According to data presented in the State Assembly, Kerala recorded a staggering 39,962 suicides between January 2021 and March 2025, with the numbers escalating from 6,227 in 2021 to 10,994 in 2023.
While not all these cases involved students, the figures mirror a broader national crisis. Reports from the NCRB indicate that 13,044 students took their own lives across India in 2022, showing little change from the prior year.
Certain districts in Kerala are particularly affected; for instance, Kozhikode alone saw 53 student suicides during the 2022-23 academic year. Experts in psychology emphasize that many such tragedies could potentially have been prevented with timely counseling and effective support within schools.
The tragic story of Ashirnanda, a 14-year-old Class IX student from Sreekrishnapuram in Palakkad, exemplifies the human cost behind these statistics. Subjected to repeated ridicule by teachers, she took her life at home, leaving behind unfinished artwork and a new school record book. Her parents, Prashanth and Sajitha, continue their quest for justice.
“She was a bright child with aspirations. However, the humiliation she faced shattered her spirit,” her father expressed.
In light of this crisis, the Kerala government has initiated a program aimed at training 3,000 teachers as mental health counselors, thereby equipping schools to provide immediate support. Education Minister V. Sivankutty stated that this initiative seeks to aid teachers in recognizing early signs of distress, offering fundamental counseling, and facilitating connections to professional services when necessary.
Experts attribute the rise in student suicides to increasing academic and social pressures, unstable family dynamics, and the inability to address the growing psychological demands of youth.
Nonetheless, experts warn that many schools still lack qualified counselors, and existing programs suffer from poor coordination and inadequate referral systems.
Child rights advocates emphasize the necessity for accountability in harassment cases. “Justice for victims like Ashirnanda is imperative, but equally crucial is establishing safeguards so that no child feels neglected or humiliated,” remarked one activist.
Point of View
It's imperative to recognize the urgency surrounding the alarming rise in student suicides in Kerala. This issue transcends regional boundaries and speaks to a national concern about mental health among youth. We must advocate for comprehensive support systems and accountability to prevent further tragedies, ensuring every child feels safe and valued.
NationPress
21/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors are contributing to the rise in student suicides in Kerala?
Experts point to increasing academic pressure, fragile family environments, and inadequate mental health support as key factors contributing to the rise in student suicides in Kerala.
How is the Kerala government addressing this crisis?
The Kerala government has launched a program to train 3,000 teachers as mental health counselors to provide immediate support in schools.
What role do schools play in preventing student suicides?
Schools play a crucial role in identifying early signs of distress, providing counseling, and connecting students with professional services.
What can parents do to support their children’s mental health?
Parents can foster open communication, encourage their children to share their feelings, and seek professional help if needed.
Why is accountability important in cases of student harassment?
Accountability is essential to ensure that schools provide a safe environment for all students, preventing future tragedies stemming from bullying and harassment.
