Crisis in the classrooms

The 2026 Global School-Based Student Health Survey has painted an alarming picture of the state of Jamaican children surveyed with the data showing “an increase in suicidal ideation and attempts” by students in grades nine to 11 with girls outstripping boys in both thinking about the act and attempting it.

According to researchers, in comparing the 2010, 2017 and 2026 survey results, “mental health indicators have worsened over time with more students reporting suicidal thoughts, suicidal planning, suicide attempts, anxiety and depression”.

With a sample size of 3,058 students between grades 7 and 12 the survey administered questionnaires where the children were quizzed on their behaviours over the past seven days, the past 30 days, and the past 12 months.