An analysis shows that South Korean youth who do not display self-harm or suicide attempts are at a higher risk for suicide, emphasizing the need for comprehensive emotional education.
In 2024, South Korea's youth suicide rate reached an all-time high, with recent analyses revealing that those who showed no prior signs of self-harm or suicide attempts are actually more likely to take their own lives. Experts are calling for comprehensive emotional education to understand the characteristics of these youths who fall into the 'silent' risk category. The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family convened a policy forum on youth suicide trends, highlighting the alarming increase in suicide rates among young people aged 10 to 19, which have surged by nearly 78% since 2014, according to national mortality data.
Professor Hong Hyun-joo from Hallym University noted the concerning trends, especially among younger adolescents aged 10 to 14, whose suicide rates have tripled over the past decade. Interestingly, female youth suicide rates have surpassed those of males since 2018, indicating a worrying shift. Additionally, it was pointed out that the management of high-risk individuals is insufficient since the majority of those who die by suicide do so on their first attempt and had not previously exhibited warning signs such as self-harm or ideation. This highlights the need for education that equips young people to deal with stress and express their emotions.
To combat the hidden risks of youth suicide, experts like Kwon Se-won from the Korea Life Respect and Hope Foundation advocate for a more holistic approach to mental health education in schools. Rather than solely focusing on suicide prevention, the implementation of curricula that reflect the characteristics of South Korean youth and enhance social emotional skills is crucial. Professor Kim Dong-il from Seoul National University emphasizes the necessity of integrating social-emotional learning into public education, stating that beyond addressing academic performance, recognizing and expressing personal emotions should become a core component of student development, ensuring that students understand that experiencing difficulties is a natural part of life.
