AGONY OF SUICIDE

THE story of Josh Coad is a difficult one to tell. But when a person dies by suicide, as was the case with this 14year-old boy, family and friends are left with an agonising search for answers.

Brad and Kristy Coad have bravely shared their story with you today in the hope that no other family has to go through what they have endured.

The story of Josh Coad is a difficult one to read.

But we all have a responsibility to listen and to act.

Mental health, mental illness and suicide are complicated and discussion of these issues is too often considered taboo.

Historically, media outlets held an official or unofficial policy not to report on suicide. It was mostly because of the stigma regarding the subject and also out of sensitivity to the families.

But it was always an uncomfortable convention. Why should a life-and-death story not be told?

Ultimately a newspaper’s role is to shine a light in some very dark places — sometimes out of that comes some good.

The impact of the coronavirus crisis on mental health will be significant and we worry about how our children will cope.

Experts say there are often multiple, complex factors that lead to a person dying by suicide. But at a time when our children are at their most vulnerable, it’s imperative we regularly check in on them.

No matter how busy we are, we need to take the time to talk to our kids and really hear what they say — then, as our children’s biggest advocates, we need to act on it.

We need to understand and accept that mental illness is an illness like any other that requires attention. There are multiple ways to get help, starting with your GP or the numbers at the bottom of this editorial.

Bullying has always been an issue, especially in the schoolyard.

It’s horrendous when it’s accompanied by violence but made all the worse now by the advent of social media and online bullying, which means children can be subjected to 24/7 taunts.

For the victims of bullying these days there is often no escape. Schools and families need to work together to stamp out this behaviour properly.

No child should be left alone in this fight against the hateful and scornful behaviour of bullies — and we owe it to those carrying out the bullying the opportunity to reform.

We must, as Josh’s parents say, teach kindness.

We have no doubt this reporting will send shockwaves through the school community but we do so in support of Brad and Kristy to try to ensure this tragedy isn’t repeated and that those who need help get it. If you need support, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or

Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800