
The College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka (CCPSL) reports that social media use has been a contributing factor to the rise in child suicides.
Dr. Kapila Jayaratne, Chairperson of CCPSL, revealed that over 200 child suicides were recorded in 2024, with 270 reported unofficially in 2023.
In 2022, 133 children under 18 died by suicide, and Dr. Jayaratne suggests that social media may be a key factor in this alarming increase.
The CCPSL is considering actions like restricting social media access as a potential solution to curb the growing crisis.
The organization is working on recommendations to regulate social media use and plans to share more details in the coming weeks.
While acknowledging the positive aspects of social media, the CCPSL is focusing on mitigating its negative impact on children’s mental health.