TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Chair of the Indonesian Communication Scholars Association (ISKI) in East Java and a communication lecturer at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) at Airlangga University, Suko Widodo, sees the recent surge in suicide cases involving adolescents and students as a reflection of increasingly complex psychosocial pressures.
Three suicide cases involving adolescents and students occurred in close succession in several regions of Indonesia recently. East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) reported several students ending their lives, Demak was shocked by an elementary school student's suicide, and Bandung mourned the death of a student, suspected to be a result of a break-up. These cases serve as a wake-up call to raise awareness about the importance of mental health, especially among the younger generation, in a world where the real and digital realms are seamlessly blended.
"Today's children live in two spaces simultaneously, the physical and the digital space. The pressure in the digital space can persist without interruption, 24 hours a day, often going unnoticed by parents and teachers," said Suko in a written statement on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
From a communication perspective, Suko explains that George Gerbner's Cultivation Theory can be used to analyze this phenomenon. Repeated exposure to social media shapes how teenagers perceive social reality. Eventually, content depicting happiness and popularity is considered the general standard of living.
According to him, when media messages blend with fragile personal experiences, they can create emotional resonance and intensify negative feelings. "Social media is not just an information space, but an emotional amplification space. Adolescents who are experiencing a break-up or academic pressure will be more vulnerable to messages that resonate with their emotional state," he said.
The Importance of Digital Literacy
Furthermore, social media algorithms are designed to display content that aligns with user preferences and activities. Hence, Suko emphasizes the importance of digital literacy, which should not only focus on technical aspects but also address emotional awareness.
Early detection mechanisms for changes in student behavior require the involvement of all parties, from schools to families. In addition, Suko also advises the mass media to be responsible in reporting suicide cases by avoiding sensationalism and always including information about counseling services.
"Adolescents can connect with hundreds of people online every day, yet still feel emotionally alone. We must ensure that they are not only connected, but also heard," said Suko.
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Editor's Note
Do not underestimate depression. For mental crisis assistance or suicide prevention, the Jakarta Health Department provides free psychologists for residents who want to consult about mental health. There are 23 free counseling locations in Jakarta's community health centers, which can be accessed by participants in the Social Security Administrator for Health.
Consultations can also be done online through the website https://sahabatjiwa-dinkes.jakarta.go.id. In addition, further consultations can be scheduled with psychologists at community health centers if needed.
In addition to contacting the Jakarta Health Department, you can contact the following institutions for consultations.
Pulih Foundation: (021) 78842580
Ministry of Health's Mental Health Hotline: (021) 500454
Don't Commit Suicide NGO: (021) 96969293
