Thursday 30 April 2015

[Today] Looking up to someone can help youth cope with issues

The fact that children know that death is inevitable makes some of them think it is the easiest way out of problems. (“When kids think of suicide”; Talking Point)
Facing failure, especially in examinations, putting up with almost impossible expectations set by parents, being a victim of bullying or relationship break-ups are the few stress factors that may drive them to the idea of suicide. Most of the older generations understand that these are part of life, things we can overcome, but the young may not exactly take it that way.
I see a difference, however, with children who have idols they look up to, especially heroic figures such as their fathers or even Spiderman. Putting purpose in the minds of the younger generation may be a big step towards having them avoid ideas of suicide.
As cliched as it sounds, such children would be more motivated to stand up to their mistakes and to “heroically” solve their problems. They may not need a superhero, but the faith that they are meant to do something big in the future to drive them, even if failure hits.
Let us treat the younger generation in a way that shows we need them, include them in our daily lives and respect them by at least asking them how their day went. Communication and moral support between parents and children is vital in stopping this “problem” before it becomes a trend.
If all else fails, helplines are something we should look into without hesitation.