Why do Children Kill Themselves

Speaking as one who tried to kill myself when I was 12, I can tell you that everything is bigger to a child--the problems as bigger than adults think and a child thinks they will last forever. I was bullied mercilessly and just could not take it any more. I had told my parents but they said to ignore it and walk away or make a joke of it. I could not see an end to the torment so I tried to end it. Being the considerate child that I was I did not want my parents to think that I killed myself, I wanted it to appear to be an accident. So I got a steak knife and cut my ankle (my sock would hide it and they'd never know till it was too late). Several times a day I would rub dirt in the wound and tried to keep it from closing. Eventually it did close up despite my best efforts and I never did get blood poisoning. The wound did not even get infected. So my attempt failed. When I was older and more knowledgeable I cut my wrists and that's when my mom moved me to another school district. My final year of school was almost pleasant because for once no one picked on me. Children don't know it will get better so they end it. They don't think their parents will understand.

How awful! I agree that parents should be in tune with their children. They need to develop open lines of communication early on, as well.

I would try to be close to my children, as you say. But I would keep weapons away from them too. When we have children, we keep meds and pills in a place where children won´t get them. The same thing must be done with weapons if parents choose to live with that time bomb in their house.

It is terrifying to me. It is sad and horrid that a child would feel so bad. They don't deserve to feel that way and carry it out. I am so glad I don't have any kids now. I do have my grown son though...

Most often we adults are the reason of a child's depression.

When I was 14 I wanted to kill myself too only because I wanted to excel in academics but I failed. I changed my mind because I know my older sister loved me so much and I didn't want to make her cry if I die. So maybe they couldn't find reasons to live anymore.

Breaks my heart so when I hear of these tragedies taking place. As you said, sometimes it happens without warning.

terribly sad especially with children with whole promising futures in front of them

Yes, very awful. Was it because of peer pressure? I also agree that parenthood has a vital role in shaping children nowadays.

utterly heartbreakin', ms. ruby. yer correct, folks need to spend more time with their young'uns discussin' these'n other thingies. like what to do if'n one'f their friends's havin' troubles.

I think one of the problems is that parents don't bother to teach their kids anymore how to 'deal' with certain situations. Bullying has escalated. Violent video games. Kids don't have coping skills anymore @RubyHawk .

could it be possible these kids were bullied? or maybe family problems?

I can tell you why some children kill themselves. They have been bullied and cannot take it any longer and there are those that do not understand their cry for help or cannot reach them so they kill themselves. I will just stick to that one.

The news is shocking, not because it was newly heard of, but because of the number of children committing it. I am a mom and it bothers me. I sometimes blame the violent computer games, movies, tv programs. I feel it desensitizes the kids about the sacredness of life.

The problem I think besides maybe Bullying is not getting enough Love and attention at home. Maybe they come from broken homes and are left alone with no attention ever. Wish things could be different so things like this would quit happening.

This sometimes happens to ones we would least expect to do such a thing @RubyHawk Some are just troubled and no one knows b/c they don't tell anyone what is happening.

were lucky here we don't have that happening with the younger kids, we have them being killed but by other ways

That is tragic. Those parents must be devastated.

The stats are frightening. You're right. They're more likely to talk to their friends about it instead of adults. All we can do is keep an eye on them and make sure they know we're there for them if they need to talk.

Parents should most definitely listen to their children. Whether it's a small situation or/and big. It might not be hurting us , but deep down it's hurting them. I've witnessed a child tell her mom that a little girl was picking on her. She had the audacity to just say ok. Nothing else. And we were present inside of the same school. Smh. We have to start listening and showing action.