Those egging girl on to commit suicide ‘heartless’ – Befrienders KK
KOTA KINABALU: Befrienders Kota Kinabalu is saddened over the death of a 16-year-old girl in Sarawak who commi ed suicide a er asking her friends through her Instagram account to post a ‘D’ (die) or an ‘L’ (live) for a decision on her situation.
In a statement yesterday, Befrienders KK said it did not have the opportunity to view the purported posting in the Instagram account.
“No one can imagine or describe the pain the victim went through every day until she took the decision to end her life.
“There were many factors that could have caused the girl to see life as a failure for her and that could have contributed to this sad ending. Suicide is complex and can be caused by many problems,” it said.
Befrienders KK said it is appalled by heartlessness of those who voted and egged her on to take her life.
It said the online environment can cause both positive and negative outcomes for young people.
“Social media are platforms for borderless communication, education and knowledge.
“However, the lack of kindness and mindfulness of the users are destroying the social media platforms,” Befrienders KK said.
“Facebook, which also owns WhatsApp, MSN, Instagram and so on are social chat apps that has a Help and Support section for anyone who are in distress or feeling suicidal.
“Reaching out to others online can be an important source of connection and support for many,” it said.
“It is okay to ask the person if they are thinking about suicide. There is no evidence that asking about suicide increases the likelihood of a person engaging in suicidal behaviour.
“If you are worried or concerned that someone might be experiencing suicidal thoughts, feelings or behaviour, here are some questions that you could ask: “Are you thinking of suicide?” “Do you feel suicidal?” “Are you thinking of ending your life?”
“Always take any content that suggests a person may be thinking about suicide seriously, there are many ways to report a suicidal ideation and posting, or giving them helplines are very helpful.
“If someone posted about ending their life on social media platforms, report the post to the appropriate social media Safety Team or Help Centre (e.g., Facebook Help Centre), Instagram Help Centre, Snapchat Support Centre, Twitter Help Centre or www. befrienders.org.my,” it said.
According to Befrienders KK, the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2017 for Adolescent Health Survey found that adolescent suicidal behaviors are a mounting crisis. Suicidal behaviors include suicidal ideation, plan and/or a empt.
Compared to the survey conducted in 2012, there have been a marked increase in suicidal ideation, plan and a empt.
In the 2017 survey conducted on peers and family support for adolescents, less than half of adolescents perceived that their parents knew what they were doing in their free time. 1 in 3 adolescents perceived that their parents understood their problems, 1 in 7 adolescents perceived that their parents check their homework, less than half of adolescents had peer support at school.
Thus, Befrienders KK would like to caution all parents, caregivers, guardians, school teachers, community group to seriously look into care and support for adolescents in this present challenging environment and in the future.
According to Befrienders KK, it is important to address the awareness on the importance of good mental health, to educate students and public on the importance to take care of mental health and prevent depression.
“Talking therapy is one of the best prevention of suicide and helpful in ending mental health stigma by encouraging the public to talk about depression. For people with depression, talking about their feelings with somebody they trust can be the first step towards recovery. And, if they have no one to be trusted, they can contact any of the nine Befrienders Centres in Malaysia,” the statement said.
Befrienders KK would also like to encourage governing authorities, schools, public health, parents, caregivers, guardians, community NGOs to tackle the wider issues being faced by adolescents nowadays.
Befrienders KK believes that everyone has a role to play in understanding children and young people’s digital use and helping them to keep themselves safe.
“Adolescence and the early years of adulthood are a time of life when many changes occur, the expanding use of online technologies, while undoubtedly bring many benefits, can also bring additional pressures, as connectivity to virtual networks at any time of the day and night grows.
“Prevention begins with being aware of and understanding the early warning signs and symptoms of mental illness. Parents and teachers can help build life skills of children and adolescents to help them cope with everyday challenges at home and at school.” it concluded.