THE suicide of a 17-year-old boy inside their house in Minglanilla town brings to three the number of minor suicides that occurred in Cebu since late last month.
The incident alarmed officials of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Central Visayas (DSWD-7) who urged the parents to take extra efforts to reach out and bond with their children.
“Some suicide cases are actually copycat incidents,” said DSWD-7 spokesman Jaybee Binghay.
The latest suicide victim, whose identity is withheld to protect the privacy of the family, was found hanging at the ceiling of his room by his younger brother.
PO1 Evie Espina of Minglanilla police said the younger brother admitted that the victim had experienced romance problems with his girlfriend.
The mother was working in a spa clinic when the incident occurred.
The victim was brought to the nearest hospital that declared him dead on arrival.
There was no suicide note found in his room.
The mother described his son as the silent type, who never talked to her about his personal problems.
Binghay said they have trained social workers in Minglanilla town who will counsel the family, especially the younger brother who found the victim hanging in the ceiling.
Binghay said debriefing is important for the family to enable them to cope with the tragedy and move on.
She said the same thing was done for the family of the 13-year-old suicide victim.
Binghay said their office is conducting Parent Effectiveness Service, a seminar for couples to help them develop their parenting skills.
Binghay said parents should not forget their children despite their busy work schedules.
She warned that children especially in their teenage years remain vulnerable to peer pressure and other issues that accompany adolescence.
It is during this period, Binghay said, that counseling and support from parents help children to cope and survive.
Binghay said the constant presence and support of parents keep children away from vices and suicide. With Correspondent Gabriel C. Bonjoc