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Protect children's mental health to curb suicide and drug abuse, Kwale parents told

Kwale County Police Commander Stephen Ng'etich at his office at the Kwale Police Headquarters on June 1, 2024. (Photo: Mishi Gongo/EV)

By Mishi Gongo | Monday, June 10, 2024

Lunga-Lunga Children's Officer Elizabeth Kariuki described child neglect as a new cancer in the area, noting that it is critical to prioritise mental health in childhood and adolescence.

Parents should mind their children's mental health to curb cases of suicide and drug abuse, Kwale Police Commander Stephen Ng'etich has said.

Ng'etich noted on Monday that many children in the county resort to drugs and suicide as an escape mechanism.

He spoke in reference to two incidents last week, one in which a 17-year-old boy from Msambweni Sub-county died by suicide after a misunderstanding with his parents. In the second case, a 13-year-old girl from Waa Matuga Sub-county was rescued after she tried to commit suicide.

The commander emphasised the need for parents to be close to their children to prevent suicide.

"We do not want to see our children lose their lives because of mental health issues. Let us strive to give them a safe environment," he said.

Mental health covers one's emotional, psychological, and social well-being. A 2021 report by the World Health Organisation (WHO), titled "The mental health of adolescents," stated that one in seven of them has a mental health disorder.

Lunga Lunga Children's Officer Elizabeth Kariuki at a past event. (Photo: Mishi Gongo/EV)

Lunga-Lunga Children's Officer Elizabeth Kariuki described child neglect as a new cancer in the area, noting that it is critical to prioritise mental health in childhood and adolescence.

"Most parents think mental health issues only occur in adults. Children also suffer," she said on Monday.