Logged on and lost

THE recent publication of the Global School-based Student Health Survey has renewed concern about the mental health of Jamaica’s children and adolescents. The findings are troubling and demand attention from families, schools, communities and the State.

According to the survey, conducted by the National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA), suicidal thoughts were highest among grade 11 students, reported by 36.6 per cent of girls and 23.1 per cent of boys. Depression was also highest among grade 11 students, at 47.8 per cent among girls and 23.8 per cent among boys. Anxiety was highest among grade 10 students, with 46.2 per cent of girls and 16.8 per cent of boys reporting symptoms.

Suicide attempts were most serious among grade 9 girls at 32.4 per cent, grade 8 boys at 21.8 per cent, and grade 10 boys at 21.5 per cent. Our first responsibility is to ensure that children experiencing mental distress can get the care they need.