THERE is a sharp increase in suicide cases among adolescents. The most common reason for such suicides is parents’ refusal to allow marriage.

It is an alarming situation. It is time society took steps to avoid such tragedies. Primarily, the responsibility lies on the parents’ shoulders.

To bridge the communication gap between children and parents, the latter should take some time out from their busy schedule and talk to their children about their emotional problems.

They should keep an eye on their activities and contents being watched on television at home.

It is also the media’s responsibility to consider moral values and avoid showing contents that lead to suicides.

Children cannot differentiate between right and wrong. It is the duty of parents, schools and the media to groom immature minds so that they can distinguish between wrong and right.

Namerah Zafar

Islamabad

Published in Dawn, November 28th, 2015