Suicidal behaviour among people under 18 years old skyrocketed in 2021, reaching a total of 1,439 suicide attempts and 127 deaths, the study found, as cited by the zwjr.pl website.
The authors of the study say that rising suicide cases among young females raise particular concerns. The number of suicide attempts in this group more than doubled over the past year.
The figures, however, may be understated as they only include cases reported to the police, Poland's PAP news agency reported.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), for every recorded death by suicide there are 100 to 200 suicide attempts that go unreported.
This would suggest that de facto some 12,700 to 25,400 Polish people under the age of 18 tried to take their own lives last year.
The study stresses that parents should be made aware of suicide risk signs. These primarily include a long-lasting shift in mood, eating disorders, concentration issues, social withdrawal and violent behaviour.
It is important to seek professional help if any of these signs are spotted, experts say. They warn that suicide remains the fourth leading cause of death in the 15-19 age group.
(pjm/gs)
Source: PAP, zwjr.pl, who.int