Bugs Bunny has tried it it, it is in The Incredibles and cartoons are replete with inaccurate depictions of suicide. Therefore, parents should not be afraid to counteract the myths and discuss the subject with young children, according to a Canadian psychologist.
Addressing the Irish Association of Suicidology's fourth annual conference in Galway yesterday, Prof Brian Mishara, of the University of Quebec, said children talked about death and suicide among themselves, but rarely with adults.
Analyses of media depictions indicated that suicide was often glorified in male heroes, and it was important for parents to correct this misinterpretation.
"The word suicide may not be used, but it comes later as the children get older," Prof Mishara said.
"If there has been a suicide in the family, children may also know about it even if they haven't been told. It is important to acknowledge this and communicate with them, because they may have feelings of guilt and anger."
Referring to the fact that more men than women committed suicide, Prof Mishara said:
"Men don't seek help when they have a problem, or wait till it is much more serious to act, whereas women do seek assistance."
A mental health programme for children known as Zippy's Friend, which was developed by a parents' organisation associated with the Samaritans, teaches children early on how to cope with everyday problems, Prof Mishara said. A one-year follow-up study showed that children who had participated in the initiative retained the advice.
Prof Mishara said that he could appreciate the fear of parents in raising the issue.
"Children are surrounded by it, though, and would you prefer Walt Disney to teach your kids or do it yourself?"
Prof Michael Fitzgerald, of Trinity College Dublin, told the conference that Ireland's suicide rate, which had slightly reduced but was still among the highest in Europe, was not unique in terms of the trend in successful European economies.
However, the low rate of spending on mental health should be addressed, he said, and he was critical of the long waiting lists for child psychiatry.
