Today, September 10, is celebrated as World Suicide Prevention DayIn the Indian context, it is important to address this day and discuss strategies to prevent future tragedies. India is witnessing an alarming rise in student suicides, according to a recent report from the annual IC3 Conference & Expo 2024. Today, another tragic report emerged from the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, where a third-year computer science student was found dead in his hostel room. The incident is the fourth suicide from the institute this year and has triggered widespread protests on campus.
Last month, another student IIT Guwahati She was reportedly found hanging in her room. The issue is not just restricted to premier institutes like the IITs. The Kota hub, known for its coaching centres, is also a major concern. Reports suggest that 14 students have committed suicide in Kota alone this year. In 2023, there will be 26 incidents. Data from previous years show a disturbing trend: 15 incidents in 2022, 18 in 2019, 20 in 2018, 17 in 2017 and 18 in 2016.
A report by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) shows that student suicide rates in India have outpaced both population growth rates and overall suicide trends. While the general suicide rate has increased by 2 percent annually, student suicides have increased by 4 percent.
“Over the past two decades, student suicides have increased at an alarming annual rate of 4 per cent, twice the national average. In 2022, male students accounted for 53 per cent of total student suicides. Between 2021 and 2022, male student suicides decreased by 6 per cent, while female student suicides increased by 7 per cent,” said the report compiled by the IC3 Institute, as quoted by PTI.
The report highlighted the following points: Major factors contributing to student suicides in India
Measures to curb student suicides in India
Last month, another student IIT Guwahati She was reportedly found hanging in her room. The issue is not just restricted to premier institutes like the IITs. The Kota hub, known for its coaching centres, is also a major concern. Reports suggest that 14 students have committed suicide in Kota alone this year. In 2023, there will be 26 incidents. Data from previous years show a disturbing trend: 15 incidents in 2022, 18 in 2019, 20 in 2018, 17 in 2017 and 18 in 2016.
A report by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) shows that student suicide rates in India have outpaced both population growth rates and overall suicide trends. While the general suicide rate has increased by 2 percent annually, student suicides have increased by 4 percent.
“Over the past two decades, student suicides have increased at an alarming annual rate of 4 per cent, twice the national average. In 2022, male students accounted for 53 per cent of total student suicides. Between 2021 and 2022, male student suicides decreased by 6 per cent, while female student suicides increased by 7 per cent,” said the report compiled by the IC3 Institute, as quoted by PTI.
The report highlighted the following points:
- The rate of student suicide in India is increasing at a rate of 4 percent per year, which is double the overall suicide rate.
- Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu account for one-third of student suicides in India.
- Jharkhand and Rajasthan have seen a worrying rise in student suicides in the last five years.
- More than ninety thousand cases of suicide by students were reported in India between 2021 and 2022.
Major factors contributing to student suicides in India
The major factors contributing to student suicides in India include intense academic pressure, parental expectations, lack of emotional support, fear of failure, social stigma around mental health, financial stress, bullying, inadequate counselling, peer pressure, and a rigid education system that prioritises grades over well-being.
- Academic Pressure: The fierce competition to succeed in exams like NEET and JEE, coupled with rigorous academic demands and the constant pressure to score high marks can overwhelm students. This stress often leads to burnout and feelings of inadequacy, as seen in the ‘Kota Hub’ example.
- Parental pressure: High expectations from parents about academic performance and career choices can cause significant emotional stress. For example, in January this year, an eighteen-year-old girl preparing for the JEE committed suicide, leaving a note that read, “Mummy-Papa, I can’t do the JEE, so I’m taking this extreme step. I’m a terrible daughter, sorry Mummy-Papa; this is my last option.”
- Bullying and Ragging: Experiences of bullying or ragging can cause severe mental distress. A report of the National Medical Commission (NMC) prepared by the National Task Force on Mental Health and Well-being of Medical Students highlighted that ragging is a significant issue. It emphasised the need for an active anti-ragging cell and strict punishment for offenders. Among undergraduate students, 16.2% reported suicidal thoughts while 4.4% postgraduate students attempted suicide last year.
- Financial stress: The high cost of higher education and the burden of educational loans can cause a lot of anxiety. Many students face financial constraints which add to their overall stress.
- Lack of support: Many educational institutions lack adequate guidance and emotional support. While some have counselors, many do not, leaving students without access to adequate mental health resources. The absence of a supportive environment can make it difficult for students to cope with their challenges.
Measures to curb student suicides in India
Preventing student suicides in India requires government initiatives for mental health support, parental awareness about emotional well-being, and educational institutions promoting a low-pressure environment. Comprehensive counseling, peer support programs, and open conversations about mental health are crucial for prevention and support.
Government
- Guidelines on self-harm: Last year, the Ministry of Education issued draft guidelines to schools aimed at increasing sensitivity, understanding and support in cases of reported self-harm. These guidelines emphasise the importance of fostering partnerships between schools, parents and the community to prevent suicide and promote social support as a key strategy to reduce the stigma associated with suicidal behaviour. It is essential that similar guidelines are developed and implemented effectively.
- Strengthening anti-ragging laws: In 2001, the Supreme Court of India banned ragging in educational institutions. After the tragic death of Aman Kachru due to ragging in 2009, the court ordered strict compliance of anti-ragging laws by all institutions. Despite this, incidents of ragging continue. The government should enact stringent anti-ragging laws and ensure strict compliance by educational institutions.
- Expanding mental health initiatives: The government should increase funding and support for mental health programs, especially those targeting educational institutions. Setting up dedicated suicide prevention helplines and raising awareness about these resources is important.
Guardian
- Promote open communication: Parents should encourage open dialogue about academic pressure and mental health. While it is understandable to set reasonable expectations, it is important to avoid forcing career choices on children based on external pressures. Instead, provide emotional support and create a nurturing environment where students feel comfortable sharing their struggles without fear of judgment.
- Provide guidance when needed: If you notice your child struggling or feeling distressed, seek professional help. This not only supports their mental health but can also improve their academic performance. Instead of focusing only on academic achievement, encourage a balanced lifestyle by supporting extracurricular interests and focusing on holistic development.
educational institutions
- Promote counselling services: Every educational institution should have accessible counselling services. Promote mental health awareness, set up peer counselling programmes and ensure that students have access to professional counsellors.
- Implement stress management programs: Introduce stress management and emotional resilience programs as part of the curriculum. Conduct regular workshops on mindfulness, stress management, and coping strategies to help students deal with academic pressure.
- Strengthen anti-ragging policies: Although many institutions have anti-ragging policies, incidents of ragging and bullying continue. Institutions should implement strict anti-ragging policies and take immediate action against offenders. Establish clear rules and preventive measures for ragging in hostels as well.
If you or someone you know is thinking about self-harm, please seek help immediately. You can find resources here India is here,
