Alexander Vasquez Vasquez, aged 16, hanged himself in his room at his home in Zambrana, Cotui, bringing the total of minors who have committed suicide within a week to three.

Psychiatrist Luis Berges says that one of the factors that have led to an increase in suicides amongst the young is the increase in technology. He states that when children are 'submerged' in their smartphones and social networks and they are interrupted for some reason it makes them furious and is a contributing factor to suicide. He also believes that the absence of parents in the home and the lack of parental control to also be a factor. He added that the children who are more likely to commit suicide are depressed and isolated from the real world and the desire to commit suicide can come upon them suddenly. He recommends that parents ensure their children are loved from an early age, especially girls and do not allow them to use cell phones or the internet too much, and include them more in the family circle.

Another case of suicide was Dariel Alexander Jimenez, aged 14, who hanged himself with shoelaces from his trainers in the bathroom because his mother reprimanded him as he did not give himself time to eat.

On Thursday in Bonao, another 14-year old committed suicide and her friends think it was because she had been reprimanded before her death.

www.eldia.com.do/nacionales/2012/1/11/72440/Suicidios-crecen-entre-los-menores

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