As South Africa marks Teen Suicide Prevention Week from 8 to 14 February this week, renewed attention is being placed on a simple but often overlooked act; listening.
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) has launched its national awareness campaign, ‘We Hear You – Silalele’, urging adults to slow down, listen without judgement and create spaces where teenagers feel safe to speak.
The campaign arrives amid growing concern about teen mental health, as current research shows that nearly one in five high school learners in South Africa have attempted suicide at least once, while almost a quarter of learners in Grades 8 to 11 report ongoing feelings of depression and hopelessness, both recognised risk factors for suicidal thoughts and behaviour.
‘These statistics represent real young lives and families,’ said SADAG Education Project Manager Roshni Parbhoo-Seetha.
‘Too many teens tell us they do not feel heard or taken seriously. ‘We Hear You – Silalele’ is about creating spaces where teens feel genuinely listened to, without judgement.’
What teens are saying
Through its Suicide Helpline, SADAG has heard consistent messages from young people across the country, messages that point less to a lack of advice and more to a lack of understanding.
‘Every time I try to talk about how I’m feeling, I get told I’m overreacting or being dramatic. So now I just keep it to myself.’
‘My parents think because I’m quiet, I’m fine. But the truth is, I just don’t feel like explaining myself anymore because they won’t really listen.’
‘It’s easier to talk to a stranger on a helpline than to talk to someone at home. At least they don’t judge me or interrupt me.’
‘Sometimes I don’t need advice. I just need someone to hear me and not turn it into a lecture.’
These experiences, SADAG notes, underline why listening is not just supportive, it can be lifesaving.
Cape Town clinical psychologist Jody De Reuck emphasised the role adults play when teens reach out.
‘Adults and parents need to walk alongside their children by actively listening when they reach out for help,’ she stated.
‘Children’s concerns are valid. Dismissing bullying, shame, or emotional pain by saying ‘you’ll get over it’ can cause real harm.’
SADAG encourages parents, caregivers and educators to be intentional when starting conversations.
This includes removing distractions such as phones or televisions, maintaining eye contact, asking open-ended questions and resisting the urge to immediately fix the problem. For many teens, calm and empathetic listening is what allows the conversation to continue.
Changes in behaviour can offer early signals that a teen may be struggling. Withdrawal, increased irritability, declining school performance or expressions of hopelessness should not be ignored.
‘We know that undiagnosed or untreated depression is a leading cause of teen suicide,’ Parbhoo-Seetha said.
‘Knowing the warning signs and encouraging teens to speak to a trusted adult, teacher, school counsellor or family member can help save a life.’
Throughout Teen Suicide Prevention Week, SADAG is sharing practical tools, videos and conversation guides via its website and social media platforms.
These resources aim to help adults recognise warning signs and support meaningful conversations with young people.
On Friday, 13 February at 1pm, SADAG will also host a Facebook Live discussion titled ‘The Lack of Social Connection: Difficulty of being a Teen’, led by educational psychologist Rivendri Govender. The session is aimed at parents, educators, caregivers and youth leaders navigating the challenges teens face today.
SADAG continues to urge anyone concerned about a teen to seek help without delay. Support is available 24 hours a day through the SADAG Suicide Crisis Helpline on 0800 567 567, or by sending an SMS to 31393 for a counsellor call-back.
‘Teen suicide is preventable,’ Parbhoo-Seetha said. ‘But it requires our commitment to listening without judgement and truly hearing our youth. When teens say, ‘I don’t feel heard,’ we must work towards changing that to ‘I feel supported. I feel listened to.’ Silalele. We hear you.’
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Picture: SADAG)/Supplied
