Concerns rise over health-related issues among school children

26 March 2025 04:52 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 4 Bookmark

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By Poojathmi Rivithma

Colombo, March 26 (Daily Mirror) - Concerns are being raised over health-related behaviours among children, with 18% mostly in the 16-17 age group experiencing feelings of depression, according to the Health Promotion Bureau.

Consultant Community Physician Dr. Chiranthika Vithanage said that mental health issues among children have increased, with 22.4% feeling lonely over the past 12 months.

She further said that 11.9% of children reported being unable to sleep due to worry, and 7.5% have had no close friends since 2016.

However, suicidal ideation, planning and attempts remain significant social problems, with 15.4% of children having suicidal thoughts, 9.6% making suicide plans and 9.1% attempting suicide, particularly among females.

The data highlights that these issues have persisted since 2016, as children have become more immersed in digital environments.

Dr. Vithanage also said that bullying has decreased overall, though 21.9% of males still report being bullied. Regarding cyberbullying, 5.4% more males than females experienced it in the past 12 months, based on age and gender.

Health authorities warn that tobacco use has increased by 5.7% over the past 30 days, while smokeless tobacco consumption has risen by 7.3%. The use of e-cigarettes is also a growing concern, with 5% of individuals reporting usage.

Comments - 4

Just Another Citizen Wednesday, 26 March 2025 05:05 PM

Change the stupid curriculums in schools and the education system in general, where even 4 year olds are forced to write, in other countries children first start to write when they about 6. And parents are no better as they push children to get 'better grades' so that they can brag about it.

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Tania Perera Thursday, 27 March 2025 08:40 AM

Stop education is being sold, schools like LYCEUM having 4 classes below grade one, and also they demote children in that age, find and charge these schools to stop this, they get letters from parents not to discuss this outside, what a worst school.

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Kariyawasam Thursday, 27 March 2025 10:27 AM

STOP SELLING PRIMARY EDUCATION FIRST, BAN PRIVATE SCHOOLS OR HAVE A CLEAR RULE ON FEES.

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Sokrates Thursday, 27 March 2025 11:10 AM

Then the children don't have to stare at their smartphones all day. Then they'll make friends and won't be lonely.

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