Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on increasing self-harm attempts among young people in the EU 

17.5.2021

Question for written answer  E-002642/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Stefania Zambelli (ID), Francesca Donato (ID), Simona Baldassarre (ID)

Suicide is the second cause of death among young people aged 15 to 29. This statistic, provided by the World Health Organisation, dates back to the pre-pandemic period. With the advent of the coronavirus, suicides and suicide attempts among young people are estimated to have increased considerably in Italy and in Europe.

Indeed, in Italy alone, attempts at self-harm and suicide by teenagers have increased by 30% since October 2020 (Cesvi Foundation). Lockdown, distance learning and lack of social interaction have helped increase widespread unease among younger generations, leading in several cases to extreme acts.

Given the real concern about these alarming figures, can the Commission say:

• 1.whether it will promote the collection of accurate data on suicide rates across the EU from the beginning of the pandemic to date, breaking down the statistics so as to identify the age groups most affected;
• 2.whether it would not consider it helpful to launch projects with a view to prevention and to disseminating accurate information, as well as encouraging the establishment of an effective health and social network to support young people;
• 3.what measures it thinks should be adopted, as a matter of priority and in cooperation with the Member States, to combat self-harm among young people?