News – Bubblegumchewie

Danger of a ‘copycat effect’ in teenage suicide

SINÉAD HARRINGTON – 24 NOVEMBER 2013

THE priest who spoke at the funeral Mass of Chloe Kinsella has warned of the danger of glamorising suicide as her recent death highlights the rising number of teenage suicides in Ireland.

Addressing the mourners at the funeral Mass of 15-year-old Chloe Kinsella in St Munchin’s Church, Limerick, Fr Pat Seaver was anxious not to glamourize the funeral service. Chloe’s family, while distraught at the tragic loss of their daughter, were very much aware of the possible effect her death might have on young people.

In Ireland, youth suicide has increased drastically in the past 50 years. Today it is the leading cause of death among the male population aged 15-24 years. Chloe’s family wanted no teenager to look at the outpouring of grief and think that they would like something similar for themselves. And so, the reminder was issued that ‘life is for living’.

Fr Seaver, whose homily was written very carefully in conjunction with Chloe’s parents, Kevin and Shirley, staff at her school and community workers, said they wanted to highlight the fact that her death was not an isolated case. Chloe’s death followed two recent tragic deaths in St Nessan’s secondary school, displaying the danger of copycat actions.

Fr Seaver said there was a worry of ‘hype’ surrounding a death such as that of Chloe, whose body was found tragically, after a week long search. “And this highlights a huge danger, when young people see this emotional, local, and national drama played out before hundreds and thousands of people, including family, the entire school, everybody in the neighbourhood, and even on TV and in all of the newspapers, even on the front page’.

“The problem is that it can lead to a copy-cat situation. So we have decided to focus on God’s gift of life – life to be lived to the full.” He told the congregation how, a few years ago, a guidance counsellor in Cork asked students to write about their reaction to a suicide. Shockingly, almost half had written: “What a great way to go. I’d like to have the courage to do the same.”

Psychotherapist and parenting expert John Sharry said there was a danger that the broadcasting of suicide “can inadvertently present suicide as a legitimate or even heroic choice for young people in distress”. Dr Sharry urged parents, when discussing suicide with children, to highlight how serious and irreversible it is and what harm it does to a family, the community, and society.

NOTE: Young people going through problems can find plenty of advice and information at Reachout.com.