Tahsin Becan, Yalova MP for the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), has drawn attention to the alarming increase in child suicides in Turkey amidst the ongoing economic crisis.
According to the data revealed by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), there have been 1,673 reported cases of children under the age of 15 taking their own lives in the last 20 years.
Highlighting the severity of the issue, Becan pointed out that a recent incident involving a child jumping in front of a train at the Marmaray Yenikapı Station in Istanbul was a distressing example of the escalating trend in child suicides.
In his statement, the CHP member revealed that total suicide cases have surged by 53% under the rule of the Justice and Development Party (AKP). The official records show that the number of suicides rose from 2,705 in 2003 to 4,146 in 2022, with a total of 63,244 people having taken their own lives between 2003 and 2022.
Becan underlined that the rise in child suicides is a grave concern for society as a whole, attributing it to the increasing economic hardships, the depletion of the education system, peer bullying, social isolation, and growing inequalities. Additionally, he emphasised that the normalisation of family violence and child abuse through legal regulations poses significant dangers for vulnerable age groups.
The data indicates that child suicides have seen a 22% increase in the period following the transition to the Presidential Government System in 2017, with 347 reported cases.
Becan urged politicians to prioritise the mental well-being of children and extend necessary support during these challenging times of economic crisis. He emphasised that the tough economic circumstances combined with divisive political rhetoric and societal pressure negatively impact the mental health of children. Becan stressed that it is the responsibility of policymakers to take the necessary steps to safeguard the mental health of the younger generation and provide them with support.
