An 11-year-old girl originally from Boudikali-6 Nagardada and currently residing at Keureni, Devchuli-2 committed suicide on 11 January. Similarly another 12-year-old minor of Shergunj, Kawasoti-15 also hanged herself on 24 December. Likewise, 16-year-old Purnima Pariyar of Hupsekot-2, Koliya committed suicide at her own bed room.
These three suicide incidents are the examples which represents the increasing rate of minors committing suicides in Nawalpur. According to the statistical report of the District Police Office, Nawalpur a total of 11 children have committed suicide within the current Financial Year. Among them, the minors are from the age group of 11 to 18 years.
Narahari Regmi, Chief of the District Police Office, Nawalpur informed that investigations into incidents involving children committing suicide shows that there are several factors that influence them to commit suicide. These factors include excessive use of social media, negligence of the parents, parents moving abroad leaving children in Nepal, getting involved in a relationship at a small age, drug addiction, and so on. Likewise, the tendency of making friends through social media, getting into love relationships through Facebook , and playing bets has affected the mental health of children and teenagers.
Dipak Sharma, Secretary General of Jagriti Child and Youth Concern Nepal said that children choosing suicide as a solution has become an emerging issue for the society and the first step to prevent it is psychosocial counseling. In fact , it would be better if the counseling is provided by the teachers and parents who are responsible for the well-being of the children. Since teachers and parents are close friends to the children, they will notice any changes in their behavior.
He added that another prevention might be socializing the children. Since there is an increasing trend of living in a nuclear family, the children tend to find themselves alone. And because they do not get the opportunity to learn social content, social customs, the tendency of children to not tolerate even a minor difficulty has increased. That is why it is important for parents to socialize their children. Additionally, it will be a plus point if the children are provided with opportunities to learn life skills according to their age group.
A total of 85 suicide cases have been registered in the current financial year till now in Nawalpur. Out of which 65 are male and 29 are female. Similarly, in the previous year, 2022/2023 a total of 109 suicide cases were registered out of which 61 were male and 41 were female. The majority of suicides were committed by hanging and it is followed by intaking poison.
The statistical report of police shows that 74 took their life by hanging, 10 took poison, and one died by drowning himself in the current financial year.
Narahari Regmi states that the incidents of suicide in the district is really intimidating. The rate of suicide among male is more than suicide among female. He added that the growing economic crisis and financial problems are the main reasons for men to commit suicide. Apart from this, domestic disputes, depression and lack of trust caused by foreign employment could be the other reasons.