Explore the rising suicide rates among Vietnamese youth, the underlying causes, and how parents, schools, and mental health services can help prevent teen suicides.
Rising concern about youth Suicide in Vietnam
In recent years, Vietnam has witnessed a growing number of suicides among young people. Statistics indicate that 60% of youth suicides occur in poor urban families or rural areas, often due to parents’ limited understanding of their children’s psychological state.
Cases highlighting the issue
Thu Phung, 14: Cut her wrists after being scolded by her grandmother for not cleaning her room. Minor conflicts like this are increasingly linked to suicidal behavior among teens.
Phan Huu Phuc, 9: Drank agricultural poison after realizing his father prioritized socializing and drinking over his participation in a student competition.
These cases demonstrate how seemingly small events can trigger extreme reactions in vulnerable youth.
Causes of youth Suicide
According to Lam Xuan Dien, director of the Center for Spiritual Health in Ho Chi Minh City:
145 suicides were recorded in Ho Chi Minh City last year, with 90% aged 14–20.
Common contributing factors include family problems, divorce, sexual abuse, and difficult living conditions.
About 40% of young suicide victims had mental illnesses, primarily depression.
Parents’ lack of understanding of their children’s emotions often exacerbates these situations.
Preventing Suicidal thoughts in teens
Thoughts of suicide are particularly prevalent during puberty. Parents and educators need to:
Understand and validate adolescents’ feelings
Avoid repeated hurtful comments
Provide early psychological support
A 2019 study in Hanoi found that among 661 high school students:
14.2% reported suicidal thoughts in the past 12 months
5.5% had made suicide plans
3.0% had attempted suicide
This emphasizes the urgent need for psychological care services in schools for early detection and prevention.
Suicide statistics in Vietnam
2016: Suicide rate 7.30 (1.39% increase from 2015)
2015: 7.20 (2.86% increase from 2010)
2010: 7.00 (4.48% increase from 2005)
2005: 6.70
Annually, between 36,000 and 40,000 people commit suicide in Vietnam – more than 100 per day – reflecting a sharp rise in depression and mental health issues.
Youth suicide in Vietnam is a growing public health concern, influenced by family, social, and mental health factors. Improving parental understanding, developing school-based psychological services, and early mental health intervention are critical steps to prevent tragic outcomes.
