The Assembly today issued an appeal to member states to take a series of measures aiding risk detection and prevention of child and teenage suicide, including repeated attempts. “It is crucial that governments recognise teenage suicide as a major public health problem and implement appropriate health and welfare policies to prevent such despairing acts,” said Bernard Marquet (Monaco, ALDE), rapporteur of the Social, Health and Family Affairs Committee, pointing out that tens of thousands of teenagers commit suicide each year.
In its resolution adopted unanismously, the Assembly is also in favour of stepping up measures to fight homophobia and stigmatisation of any sexual lifestyle whatsoever, the report having revealed an especially high suicide rate in the LGBT group of young people. In order counter the promotion of suicide on the Internet, the PACE also encourages members to disseminate targeted information and on-line assistance concerning suicide.
Among the various factors inherent in suicide, Mr Marquet mentions the increase in risk behaviour, arising chiefly from pacts or dares between young people. This is an altogether new phenomenon as it means that suicide is no longer the outcome of psychological or social factors but falls within a context of games.
Lastly, the rapporteur emphasises that it is necessary to provide systematic psycho-social support measures with a view to preventing repeat attempts, recalling that 15% of adolescents who have attempted suicide will make a repeat attempt.
