YOUNGSTERS HOME ALONE.

A Derry vice-principal has warned that too many youngsters have television sets in their bedrooms and are shutting themselves off from their families, increasing the danger that suicide signals won't be picked up.

Speaking at a major teachers' conference in Torquay, Mr Harkin said: "With the TV set in the bedroom comes isolation and a sense of loss of community."

Mr Harkin told the Journal that there's also an urgent need to examine the link between new technology and teen suicides.

"New technology can be both good and bad. Social support networks have been blamed for encouraging suicide but it is important to remember that they also provide a support network that would not have otherwise been there. On the other hand technology can lead to every family member in the house being in another room - be it on the internet or watching the TV.

"The consequence of this is that the warning signs are not picked up as quickly as they would be if everyone was sitting together. It would be easy to blame technology but these changes are here, are here to stay and we need to discuss them."

Mr Harkin told members of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers that between 600 and 800 16 to 24 year-olds kill themselves every year. "That is a similar number to the number of pupils who attend Oakgrove," he said.

"No one knows the individual circumstances that lead someone to end their own lives. More and more young people are feeling isolated and that is something that needs addressed. Suicide can be caused by a range of pressures be it social, peer or academic.

He said current suicide prevention strategy for schools is "piecemeal" and mental health care is not available in all schools.

"Full access to mental health services is needed in all our schools not just the few ... it's like treating cancer with aspirin," he said.

Mr Harkin said pupils face greater academic, social and peer pressure than ever before and that these pressures - combined with the explosion of new technology - leave pupils feeling isolated. "Teachers need to know that if a pupil comes to them feeling suicidal they can quickly get them support and counselling. At present there's a waiting list for these services in many areas. More suicides could be prevented if more money was provided for these services."