Suicide on the Rise Among Children in Jamaica: A Growing Crisis
Jamaica Live News Desk– | Sept 22, 2025
Trelawny, Jamaica — The tragic death of 16-year-old Jhamar “DJ” Surgeon in the Stettin district of Trelawny on Sunday has once again brought the alarming rise of suicide among Jamaican children into the national spotlight. Surgeon, a Grade 11 student of Holmwood Technical High School, was discovered at his home around 3 a.m. after reportedly being bullied by peers. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he was pronounced dead shortly after.
His stepfather, Leroy Melbourne, described him as quiet but jovial, saying the family is shattered by the sudden loss. “He was his normal self up to Saturday,” Melbourne said, adding that a note and writings left behind suggested Jhamar had been struggling with issues beyond the home.
His stepfather, Leroy Melbourne, characterized him as reserved yet cheerful, emphasizing that the family is profoundly affected by this unexpected tragedy. “He was his usual self until Saturday,” Melbourne remarked, noting that a note and writings left behind indicated that Jhamar had been grappling with challenges that extended beyond the domestic sphere.
In the wake of a similar incident involving a 13-year-old boy earlier this month in Hanover, the Child Protection and Family Services Agency has implored schools, parents, and communities to collaborate in creating secure environments in which children feel appreciated, safeguarded, and supported.
This heartbreaking incident follows the suspected suicide in July of 15-year-old Knox College student, Keshane Stewart, of Hanover. Stewart reportedly consumed pills after overhearing on speakerphone that he would be required to repeat Grade Nine. He later died while receiving treatment at Percy Junor Hospital.
A Troubling Trend
The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) has issued urgent calls for collective action. Chief Executive Officer Laurette Adams-Thomas stressed the need for schools, families, and communities to work together to create safer spaces for young people. “We must take bullying seriously and play a proactive role in prevention,” she urged.
Experts note that this rise is not isolated. A joint 2014 UNICEF/Ministry of Health report found that more than 60% of people admitted to hospitals after suicide attempts were under 25 years old. Since then, professionals say the age range of children exhibiting suicidal tendencies has dropped alarmingly, with even children under 10 years old now attempting to take their own lives.
Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Dana Dixon, said she faced one of the most difficult conversations of her life when she spoke with the parent of 16-year-old Jhamar Surgeon.
She noted that she received heartbreaking messages from children who feel hopeless because of bullying. The Minister stressed that no child is ever alone and that help is available for those in need. She encouraged students to reach out, whether to a parent, teacher, or other trusted adult, reminding them that there are multiple resources ready to provide support.
In Jamaica, where aggressive humour is deeply woven into everyday culture and often dismissed as harmless banter, the rise of social media has added a new layer of pressure on young people. Jokes and verbal clashes that were once confined to schoolyards or street corners now live online, magnified and made permanent in the digital space. This raises an important question: are Jamaican parents truly equipped to help their children navigate these realities, balancing cultural norms with the psychological toll of constant ridicule, bullying, and public shaming in the age of social media?
Expert Insights
Child and family therapist Dr. Beverley Scott explained that many children under 12 do not fully grasp the finality of death. Some attempt suicide as a way to “teach their parents a lesson,” believing they can return to witness the grief.
“Children can face anything if they feel loved and supported by their parents,” Scott emphasized, pointing to the importance of strong parent-child bonds.
Suicide prevention counsellor Dr. Donovan Thomas echoed these concerns, noting that abuse, hopelessness, isolation, and despair are common triggers. “When children are hurt by people more powerful than themselves and cannot fight back, they sometimes direct that anger inward,” Thomas said.
Warning Signs
Dr. Scott outlined several behaviors parents and guardians should watch for: sudden withdrawal, drastic changes in eating or sleeping habits, poor hygiene, self-isolation, or expressions of worthlessness. Even seemingly “small” complaints should be taken seriously, she warned.
“Sometimes parents think the issues are trivial. But what may seem small to us may be life-shattering to a child,” Scott cautioned.
Calls for Action
The Ministry of Health and Wellness has also reported rising cases of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation among children, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. U-Matter, a youth crisis chat service launched in 2022, has revealed high levels of distress among young Jamaicans, especially late at night when feelings of loneliness peak.
Mental health professionals are calling for:
- Stronger anti-bullying measures in schools
- Accessible mental health resources for children and families
- Public awareness campaigns to destigmatize mental health struggles
- Community vigilance to support vulnerable children
Conclusion
The deaths of Jhamar Surgeon and Keshane Stewart are sobering reminders of the mental health challenges Jamaican children face today. With suicide rates climbing among minors, urgent collective action is required from parents, schools, churches, communities, and government agencies.
Every child deserves to feel safe, loved, and valued. Without a stronger safety net, Jamaica risks losing more of its brightest young minds to a silent crisis that can no longer be ignored.
👉 If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts in Jamaica, please reach out to the Ministry of Health’s Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Helpline at 888-NEW-LIFE (639-5433).