- Police say 28 children have committed suicide this year -
Adolescence is often described by psychologists as the most emotionally volatile and psychologically vulnerable period of life - a time when young people ask themselves, “Who am I?” and are deeply affected by how others perceive them. A single compliment like “You’re pretty” can uplift them, while a careless comment like “You look ugly” can deeply wound. Between the ages of 12 and 18, teens undergo rapid psychological, physical and social changes, all while navigating the pressure to define their identity in an increasingly complex world. Sadly, for some adolescents, this path becomes too heavy to bear.
In recent months, Mongolia has witnessed a series of tragic youth suicides, sending shockwaves through families, schools and communities. Just a month ago, a 16-year-old boy from Darkhan-Uul Province took his own life. According to online reports, the boy had allegedly been caught by his teacher while attempting to correct his grades. While the investigation continues, many speculate that a mix of fear, shame and emotional distress, triggered by fear of parental reaction or peer judgment, may have pushed him to such a heartbreaking decision. Last year, a similar tragedy struck when an 11th-grade student died by suicide. Media reports linked the incident to academic pressure, citing exam results and textbook stress as contributing factors. And most recently, on International Children’s Day, a 17-year-old boy went missing in Khovd Province. Ten days later, he was found dead. Authorities revealed that he had withdrawn a large sum of money from his mother’s account and had reportedly been involved in online gambling. The circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation, but once again, the community is left grappling with the same painful question: Why? Three young lives lost in just two months. Each case is different in detail but similar in theme - silent suffering, emotional turmoil and an urgent need for intervention. Can such tragedies be prevented, even when they unfold in secrecy? What role do untreated psychological problems play in these final, irreversible decisions? These questions demand national attention.
‘Adolescents can’t distinguish between fear and anxiety’
Child Psychologist T.Purevsuren explains that anxiety often goes unrecognized and misunderstood, especially during adolescence. “Anxiety arises in human psychology. Fear and anxiety are different. “For example, when someone tries to hit you, real fear arises. But if someone is walking behind you and you think they might hit you, that is anxiety.” Many people fail to distinguish between the two, and as a result, they continue to “feed” unrealistic anxiety. Over time, this can lead to depression, self-harm, or even suicide. She emphasizes that anxiety disorders are especially common among adolescents, who are emotionally vulnerable and still developing coping mechanisms.
Dr. T.Purevsuren advises that when such anxiety is recognized, it’s important to talk to someone - be it a friend, sibling, parent, or even a supportive tool like artificial intelligence. Talking to others about what is going on inside can help them open up and express why they are feeling this way,” she says. However, she stresses that the reactions of parents and guardians play a critical role. During high-pressure moments like exams or career decisions, children often suffer from fear, not of failure, but of being judged. “The fear of being shown is tormenting children. Rather than criticize or blame, parents need to take a pause. If a child does poorly on an exam, parents should give their child and themselves time to calm down. Show the emotions and reactions you would have shown at that time at least seven to 10 days later. This way, both of you can calm down and approach the problem positively,” she added.
When asked about the main issues that worry teenagers, she explained, “It is not easy to say what the common symptoms are because everyone’s perception of fear and anxiety is different. Psychological anxiety can go unnoticed for a long time. It is unfortunate that children make the wrong choice to commit suicide because they cannot overcome their fears. It is important for parents to listen to their children, understand them, and talk to them.”
People call it a social problem but choose to ignore
Mental health remains an urgent issue, not only in Mongolia but around the world. Yet few are addressing the growing crisis. Increasingly, psychological distress and anxiety are culminating in the most tragic of outcomes: suicide. In Mongolia, the last nationwide study on the prevalence of mental disorders was conducted in 2013. That study, led by the National Center for Mental Health, found that 25 percent of the population suffered from mental health problems. But more than a decade later, there is no updated national data to reflect current conditions. In the meantime, the country has undergone rapid social change, giving rise to new and growing issues such as screen addiction, behavioral disorders, and drug abuse - phenomena that were once rare but are now increasingly common, especially among youth.
The statistics paint a grim picture. In 2023, 524 people died by suicide nationwide, including 62 individuals aged five to 19. In just the first five months of 2024, 239 suicides have already been recorded, 17 of them involving children, according to data from the Center for Health Development. Independent monitoring groups suggest this number is even higher, with reports indicating a rise from 28 youth suicides the previous year. Despite these alarming trends, there has been little visible response from the relevant ministries and agencies. In a society increasingly dominated by stress, anxiety and uncertainty, psychological resilience is becoming harder to maintain. WHO’s most recent global report on suicides per 100,000 people, released in 2019, ranks Mongolia 19th worldwide and second in Asia, just after South Korea. The next WHO report is expected in 2024 and 2025, but until then, Mongolia remains among the countries most affected by suicide.
Children are taking wrong path due to lack of fair access
Since the start of this year, 28 cases of child suicide have been registered with the police, which is an alarming increase from 18 cases reported last year. This was confirmed by Head of the Crimes and Violations Prevention Department at the National Police Agency Lieutenant Colonel D.Budzaan. He explained that children are increasingly vulnerable to psychological distress stemming from unfavorable family environments, peer bullying, online discrimination, negative peer relationships and mounting social stress. “Children are choosing to commit suicide without overcoming their psychological problems. They are also becoming victims of other serious crimes,” he highlighted.
Lieutenant Colonel D.Budzaan underlined the growing threat of online exploitation. “Offenders are using photos and videos of girls to harass and sexually exploit them online,” he stated. In the first five months of this year alone, 55 cases of child abuse were reported, 22 of which involved technology or the Internet. In many of these cases, perpetrators met minors online, gained their trust through deception, and lured them into criminal situations.
When asked about the measures being taken to reduce crimes involving and affecting children, he emphasized the complexities of prevention, especially in cases related to suicide and drug use. “It is extremely difficult to carry out preventive work for crimes like drug use and suicide,” he explained. “Public discussion of high suicide rates can unintentionally normalize the act or make it seem impulsive and commonplace. For that reason, suicide prevention efforts are typically conducted privately, targeting those in close proximity to the affected individual. This approach is rooted in the understanding that individuals who are psychologically vulnerable or under stress may be more likely to imitate such behavior.”
He noted that this method aligns with international policing practices and stressed that authorities are legally obligated to report suspicious or concerning behavior. As an example, he recalled a past incident involving two athletes of the same weight class, both of whom had trained for two years for a world competition. When only one athlete was selected to compete, the other attempted suicide. “This is a powerful reminder that fairness and transparency are critical in how adults interact with children. The child who wasn’t selected had invested years of his life into a goal. When that dream was suddenly taken away, the psychological toll proved overwhelming.”
Lieutenant Colonel D.Budzaan also emphasized that not all children possess the same capacity to cope with disappointment or adversity. This underscores the urgent need for psychologists in every school. “There are over 800 general education schools across the country, and each one should have a qualified psychologist,” he stated. These professionals would play a vital role in identifying and supporting students who experience psychological stress, anxiety, or trauma before it escalates into more serious consequences.
In addition, he highlighted the role of the Joint Child Protection Team, which is tasked with identifying children facing psychological pressure or violence, ensuring their safety, and reporting cases to law enforcement agencies. However, he emphasized that responsibility for child protection extends far beyond the police. “Teachers, school social workers, psychologists, khoroo and soum governors, parents and guardians all share this duty. Child protection is a shared societal responsibility, especially within the school environment, where preventive work must be strengthened.”
To address issues such as bullying and violence, the government has installed more than 10,000 surveillance cameras in general education schools nationwide. According to police data, this has led to a noticeable decline in physical altercations, assaults and thefts on school grounds. However, Lieutenant Colonel D.Budzaan cautioned that while such measures may improve physical safety, they do little to address deeper issues. “The psychological and moral development of children is being neglected,” he warned. Mental health and emotional well-being remain the most critical areas in need of urgent attention.
