Cyberspace is an environment where self-destructive behaviour is not infrequently promoted and encouraged. What can one do to ensure that young people do not fall prey to such harmful influences? It seems that a close cooperation between experts in various fields – from psychologists to fire-fighters – is necessary to combat the problem. This is why the Jagiellonian University scholars have assembled an interdisciplinary team to find a solution.

Although it has existed since ancient times, the problem of suicide has recently become all the more pressing issue. For some time now, there has been a plethora of websites and forums devoted to suicide. Very often private or sensitive content is published via social media sites, which in turn leads some harassed individuals to take their own lives. This tragic phenomenon has become a popular topic for films, such as "Suicide Room" (2011).

This issue has been extensively studied by specialists. In 2011, an interdisciplinary team was assembled at the JU Chair in Forensic Science and Public Safety under the patronage of Prof. Janina Czapska. It is an informal research team which is tasked with analysing the problem and devising a solution.

The reason for establishing the team was the necessity to approach the issue of suicide from several different angles to enable sharing knowledge and information between many specialists. It includes psychologists, lawyers, forensic pathologists and fire-fighters, and focuses on the cases of children and young adults.

Dr Joanna Stojer from the Chair in Forensic Science and Public Safety explained that they hope to provide an in-depth analysis of the problem. As such, they do not provide direct assistance, e.g. for young adults who contemplate suicide.

"This type of assistance can only be provided by a qualified specialist, such as a psychologist or a psychiatrist, since one can never be sure how closely suicide is tied to mental disorders in each individual case," said Dr Stojer.

In some cases, however, suicide is not caused by a disorder, but rather a temporary nervous breakdown. "Sometimes one subconsciously hopes that someone will come to the rescue. In such situations, anyone can help, even if they are not qualified – all they need to do is listen," the researcher added.

Dr Joanna Stojer emphasises that media coverage of such tragic incidents should be reserved and responsible. It is particularly important in the case of extended suicides, when one person encourages others to take their own life before committing suicide. The perpetrators of such acts are often influenced by the press or television.

"Media are not responsible for suicides, but they should not add to the problem. It's important to warn, but it's even more important not to inspire," said Dr Stojer.

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(source: PAP - Science in Poland)