10-Year-Olds Call for Help: Alarming Rise in Youth Mental Health Crisis

In a sobering reflection of a growing national crisis, the NGO Befrienders is reporting a surge in distress calls from children as young as ten years old, citing bullying, academic pressure, and familial problems as key drivers.

The revelation comes as the organization launches an urgent fundraising appeal to support a series of conferences for parents and educators ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10. The sessions, scheduled for September 4 and 6, are designed to equip adults with the tools to support struggling youth.

Befrienders President Doris Dardanne shared alarming insights into the changing demographics of those seeking help. “We are seeing a clear trend of younger callers,” Dardanne stated. “Since last year, we’ve opened additional lines and offered WhatsApp chat services to meet them where they are. These are not just teenagers; we are hearing from primary school children who feel utterly helpless.”

The issues reported are complex and heart-wrenching for such young ages. Children confide in volunteers about intense bullying at school, struggles with early romantic relationships, and crippling pressure from parents over academic results.

“Imagine an adult facing intimidation at work—it’s difficult. Now imagine a child facing it,” Dardanne said, highlighting the vulnerability of these young callers. “Many feel they have nowhere else to turn. Talking about their suffering is a crucial first step away from isolation.”

The situation is set against a grim official backdrop. Police recorded 89 suicides in 2024, alongside 213 attempted suicides. However, Dardanne warns these figures are a significant undercount, with many suicides often misclassified as accidents, drownings, or medical deaths due to the persistent stigma surrounding the issue.

In response, Befrienders has broadened its messaging, encouraging the public to call not only when experiencing suicidal thoughts but for any emotional distress. “When a person is resolved to end their life, they rarely call us,” Dardanne explained. “Our role is to provide non-judgmental emotional support before a crisis point is reached.”

For children, this support includes guiding them to official channels like the Ombudsperson for Children. The organization also offers in-person sessions at its Beau-Bassin center, where children can be accompanied by family members and, if necessary, are referred to psychological services—a service that exceeded its budget last year due to overwhelming demand.

24/7 Call Service

Despite its critical work, the NGO faces significant challenges. Its helpline operates from 9 am to 9 pm, but public demand exists for a 24/7 service, a feat currently “unimaginable” due to resource constraints. The organization relies on a rotating team of 60 volunteers and must train new cohorts every two years to account for attrition.

The call to action is now twofold: a need for more volunteer listeners and crucial funding. A campaign on Small Step Matters aims to raise Rs 218,350 to cover the costs of the upcoming conferences, which will be led by mental health professionals.

“Every rupee brings us closer to our goal,” Dardanne appealed. “We are not just funding talks; we are funding the tools to save our children. The mental health of our youngest generation depends on the support we can provide today.”

To support the campaign or to volunteer, you can contact Befrienders at adminofficer.befrienders@gmail.com.

Source: l’Express