ABU DHABI, 23rd March, 2017 (WAM) -- Yet another incident on Monday in an episodic string of suspected suicides by students in the UAE accentuates the need to examine this phenomenon with an urgency that derives itself from a single-minded purpose, to achieve a zero sum outcome in student suicides. The magnitude of profound dismay that the needless cessation of a young, promising life evokes is beyond measure. Each time such an incident occurs, it creates an everlasting trauma for the parents of the student, impacts peers in a potentially deep-scarring manner and renews the onslaught of challenges for schools to deal with the aftermath, an English language daily said in editorial today.

"The various pressures on students, old and new, competitiveness and self-esteem in the age of social media, to name just two, are legion. Parents and schools are aware of these and of their debilitating impact. Yet, the tipping point is always unexpected and herein lies the problem. As we have all experienced time and again, the singularly disturbing aspect of student suicides is the fact that nobody sees them coming. The tragedy invariably has parents and school authorities stranded on the shores of disbelief as they express their deep shock at what transpired," the Gulf News added.

"What does it take to know why and when a young mind could go over the edge? This is what parents, school authorities and counsellors must focus on with unrelenting commitment to achieve breakthroughs that will make a long-term difference.

"Clearly, the task is an arduous one, but when viewed in the context of what is at stake, all those involved in the nurturing and mentoring of young minds should be more than willing to do what it takes to ensure that not one more young life is lost for no reason," the Abu Dhabi-based daily concluded.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2017.