Archive · 22 Jan 2026
Rising Child Suicides Linked to Ignored Warning Signs
Recently, there has been an increase in children taking their own lives in India.
Experts say this is often because adults miss the signs that children are feeling very sad or upset.
These signs can include acting differently, like being angry or not wanting to talk to others, or doing poorly in school.
Some children also spend too much time watching TV or playing games.
Experts say that schools and parents need to pay more attention to these signs and help children feel better.
They also say that schools should have people who can talk to children about their feelings.
Some children feel very sad because of problems at home or school, like being bullied or not being able to pay school fees.
Experts want parents and teachers to be kinder and more understanding to help prevent more children from feeling this way.
Child suicides in India accounted for 7.6% of total suicides in 2023, with many cases lacking clear reasons.
Warning signs include behavioural changes like withdrawal, irritability, aggression, and academic decline.
Experts cite complex factors like academic pressure, family conflict, bullying, and exposure to violent content.
Lack of resilience to failure and poor parenting boundaries contribute to the problem.
Schools often lack trained counsellors despite NEP 2020 mandating their presence.
- Who
- Children aged 7-16 in India
- What
- Increase in child suicides due to ignored warning signs and lack of mental health support
- When
- Recent years, with notable cases in 2023
- Where
- Across India, with specific cases in Hyderabad, Macherial, and Petbasheerabad
- Why
- Ignored behavioural changes, lack of resilience, academic pressure, family conflict, and exposure to violent content
- Percentage of Child Suicides
- 7.6% of total suicides in 2023 (NCRB data)
- Common Warning Signs
- Withdrawal, irritability, aggression, academic decline, excessive screen time
- Key Triggers
- Bullying, academic pressure, family conflict, social media exposure
- Expert Recommendations
- Empathy-driven approach in schools, trained counsellors, better parenting boundaries
- NEP 2020 Requirement
- Mandatory full-time psychologists or counsellors in schools