THE COMMUNITY of Woodlands and Montclair are reeling in shock after the news that an eight-year-old boy took his own life.
According to close sources the young boy was visiting from the Eastern Cape and was under the care of a caregiver while his mother was at work.
It is alleged that the child complained of a headache and the caregiver said he should go lie down. Not long after, a neighbour noticed that the young boy was hanging from a tree and screamed for help. It is believed that his nine-year-old cousin who was watching TV with two other siblings , ran out with a knife and began cutting the boy down. Authorities were immediately alerted of the situation.
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Councillor, Billie Prinsloo expressed her great sadness at the untimely death. “It is tragic that this had to happen. I really do sympathise with the mother who now has to deal with the traumatic pain of losing a child. How does one prepare for it, really?” she said.
Brenda Neal, manager of the Montclair SAPS Friendly Victim Unit said the tragedy of a young person dying due to suicide is devastating to family, friends and community members. Suicide is not a norm at a young age. It usually common among 15 to24 year olds. Young children have no concept of what death entails. Parents and caregivers need to explain to a child on their level what happens when you die,” said Neal. She explained that children need to understand that death is not the answer. “They need to know that you will never be able to see your loved ones again, explain to them that if they do something there will be consequences and that’s part of life. Monitor closely what children are watching on TV and make sure it’s age appropriate. This applies to computer games, console games and online,” she added.
children need to understand that death is not the answer
Neal added that parents or legal guardians must never discuss family matters in front of children that are inappropriate, such as financial affairs and arguments. “Don’t expose innocent lives to an adult world too soon. Monitor children’s behavioural patterns at school and outside of school. Be aware of peer pressure and possible bullying,”she warned.
Henning Jacobs, the trauma support co-ordinator at ER24, said children this age do go through depression but may not understand what it means to be depressed or how it affects them as a person. “We urge parents/ guardians to pay attention to children. Give them the support and love they need. Do not assume that because they are young, they do not understand or cannot grasp the effects of trauma. Emotional trauma not only affects teens or adults but young children as well,” said Jacobs.
WARNING SIGNS:
Teens who are thinking about suicide might:
- Talk about suicide or death in general
- Give hints that they might not be around anymore
- Pull away from friends and family
- Write songs, poems or letters about death, separation and loss
- Start giving away treasured possessions to siblings or friends
- Lose the desire to take part in favourite things and activities
- Have trouble concentrating or thinking clearly
- Experience changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Lose interest in school or sports
