The Ugly Face of Britain: It's Childhood Suicide Rate

Both Childline and the NSPCC have reported an increase of childhood suicide which has tripled in five years. Although the suicide rate for boys hase increased, 80% of suicides are by girls.

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC), which runs a free 24-hour helpline, said it received an average of almost 60 calls from suicidal youngsters every week.

Of that number, one in 14 needs urgent medical care or is in immediate danger. Some children told counsellors they had already tried to kill themselves while others made attempts to do so while on the phone. Almost a third of suicidal callers told volunteers they had been physically abused, with one in five children disclosing sexual abuse.

Ten-year-old Sophie told a counsellor: "I hate my life now dad's gone because I get blamed for everything and mum is in the pub every day.

Another child, Paul, 13, said: "I feel like killing myself. My mum and dad beat me and I'm getting bullied at school.

"I don't have anyone else to turn to except ChildLine. No one else would be able to help me. I'm scared of telling anyone."

Children can feel suicidal for a number of reasons, including family problems, bullying, abuse and exam stress, said Sue Minto, head of ChildLine.

The NSPCC said 80 per cent of calls to ChildLine about suicide were from girls, but calls from boys are rising fast and are now four times higher than five years ago.

When a child is so desperate that they feel being dead is less painful than being alive, you need to ask yourself this: WHY?

Isn't it about high time that both parents took full on responsibility to raise their child? Dads need to begin to take a much more active role in their child's upbringing. Ignorance is not an option and no longer a good enough excuse. There are numerous parenting workshops and throughout the UK, both online and classroom based. If you're a dad and you are seriously interested in attending a workshop, then feel free to attend the Amazing Dads Weekend that I host. It is absolutely free of charge.

In the meantime, the best way you can help prevent other families from the devastation caused by childhood suicide is through education. Send a link to this email to any parent you know. It's an investment in the future of our country and our world.

Harun Rabbani