Raising People's Understanding about Suicide


Wednesday marked the 6th World Suicide Prevention Day, which is observed to raise people's understanding about suicide.

It's estimated that about 287,000 people commit suicide in China each year. The reality is that every two minutes there is one death by suicide. It's also the main cause of death for people aged between 15 and 34.

An article carried by the People's Daily says it's heartbreaking to see so many youngsters killing themselves. It indicates the country shouldn't neglect the importance of psychological education while continuing to value knowledge-based education.

Textbooks already talk about having a good outlook on the world and life in general. But the paper says it still remains in the "preaching" stage. Most students don't have firm opinions on what their purpose in life is and how they should lead their life.

The paper says this year's devastating earthquake in southwest China's Sichuan Province and the ongoing Paralympic Games reminds people that we should value life. It says educators should encourage children to think about the meaning of life for themselves.