A new study has raised "serious concern" at the prevalence of suicidal thoughts among secondary school children.
The research, published in the Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine said the relationship between parents and children is a potentially "critical" factor in preventing suicide.
The study said it was "imperative" that at-risk young people be identified as early as possible and suitable prevention strategies put in place.
The research was conducted among 93 students aged between 15 and 18 at a secondary school in Co Wexford.
The study’s authors, Sinéad McGilloway, a senior lecturer in the Department of Psychology in NUI Maynooth, and assistant Ciara Brennan, said there was "no reason" to expect why the findings were unrepresentative of young people generally.
Their results show:
* 32% of students they had experienced suicidal thoughts at some stage;
* 10% displayed high levels of suicide ideation;
* 70% knew someone who had either attempted to or had taken their own life;
* 40% of those who experienced suicidal thoughts had not received any professional help.
Those affected said they experienced suicidal thoughts as young as 10 years, although these most commonly occurred between 14 and 16.
The research found three- quarters of students consumed alcohol and that 48% of males and 21% of females were binge drinkers (more than five drinks in one session).
A third of students said they had used illegal drugs, such as cannabis, ecstasy, cocaine, or amphetamines.
Source: Cormac O’Keeffe, Irish Examiner, 20/08/12
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