Parents’ horror as TWELVE children try to kill themselves in two months at same secondary school
PARENTS have been left horrified after twelve children tried to kill themselves in two months at the same secondary school.
Hornsea School and Language College in South Yorkshire has dealt with the concerning amount of suicide attempts since September.
Self-harm, eating disorders and anorexia among students has doubled this academic year with 265 cases of mental health being addressed so far.
Councillors heard how domestic violence and alcohol and drug abuse at home was the main cause for the decline in the wellbeing of pupils.
One child went into school admitting they were struggling because of their parents' alcohol and cocaine abuse while another visited the safeguarding team after their mum had an overdose.
Meanwhile another turned up with a facial injury - which was believed to have happened at home.
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Seeing cases worsen since half term, Headteacher Steve Ostler told East Riding Council they were having to pick up the pieces.
He said education was being pushed to the "backbenches" and claimed tensions at home would only heighten as the cost of living crisis continued.
"There's a bulge of children who are now in very difficult situations and the effects of that are being pushed into schools," he told .
"I think we're going to see more issues like domestic violence at home as money becomes tighter and we're facing our own significant financial pressures."
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The school's funding to combat mental health issues has not been increased amid the crisis.
School director Mr Rush said the statistics from Hornsea were alarming and help is needed.
"Headteachers are shot through with a determination to keep going and we need to continue our partnership with them because this isn't just the responsibility of schools," he added.
"We have to try and intervene earlier and work to create a climate where pupils can feel a sense of optimism."
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He claimed the pandemic hasn't helped situations and has just caused "intense pressure" in some households.
Council figures suggest the number of children eligible for free school meals has risen by around 2,500 implying many are living in poverty.
You're Not Alone
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society - from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others... You're Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, , 0800 585 858
- Heads Together,
- Mind, , 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus,, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans, , 116 123
- Movember,
- Anxiety UK , 03444 775 774 Monday-Friday 9.30am-10pm, Saturday/Sunday 10am-8pm
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.