By Liza Soriano
Senator Mark Villar said Wednesday the country should consider the increase on mental health issues on children as “national concern,” citing the recent cases of suicide involving school children.
“Ang mas nakakabahala sa dumaraming insidente ng suicide ng mga kabataan ay nangyayari na ito ngayon sa mismong loob ng paaralan na dapat ay “safe spaces” para sa mga kabataan bilang kanilang ikalawang tahanan,” Villar said.
The Department of Education (DepEd) has reported that there is a total of 404 students who died by suicide during the school year 2021-2022, while 2,147 attempted to take their lives during the same time period.
“It is high time that we ask why there is a growing number of suicides among our youth and enact solutions that will help our children deal with various mental health conditions. Coordination among schools and relevant agencies should be our top priority,” the senator said.
Lack of guidance counselors in schools hampers the mental health services that could have been offered to students, Villar said.
“The difficulty of seeking professional help should be addressed as soon as possible. Kailangan po nating gawin na mas accessible ang mental health consultations and interventions para sa ating kabataan,” he added.
(AI/MNM)
