Rolph, I respect your and others' religious beliefs, but according to statistics the suicide rate in the Bible-thumping USA is roughly twice what it is in the UK, so perhaps religion isn't the universal panacea after all. And all religious faiths are man-made, whatever their adherents' beliefs to the contrary.

None of us know why any of these young people cut their lives so terribly short. We can guess, but that's all we can do. I'm dubious that it was connected to their use of social networking sites and it seems pretty patronizing to assume that they were so stupid that they would kill themselves for the sake of an ephemeral 'tribute page.' There was a similarly tragic case of a group of teenagers, all male in that case, killing themselves within a short period in northern Scotland about three years back with no connection to the internet at all. Perhaps their friends have a better idea why they might have done it. My heart goes out to their families.

Ruth (British expat), Salwa, Kuwait

One of the best things about my life as an American, is that I am descended from ancestors in Wales. I hope the kids over there can find a way to love their heritage and their home, enough to live long lives, good lives. It is the tradition of our people to do so.

RAshton, Cottonwood, Arizona

Unfortunatly this country isnt happy unless they can give kids an emotional battering for something. They work hard at school and do well in exams, than they say the exams are to easy. A few feral youths cause havoc, and all kids get tarnished with the same brush. It is no wonder that kids are reluctent to confide in adults about there problems, as often we are seen as the enemy. Media has a huge part to play in this and I know from my own how disheartening it can be. If it is some sort of suicide pack, then they were nothing more than a group of miss guided minds, if these youth were depressed then maybe the blame should lay with us as a society

Karen, York,

These young people had a 'spiritual disconnect' from life and the giver of Life and where connected to the spiritual forces of death. We living in a society that glamorizes death in song and entertainment and have become what we feared most, a culture of death. Organized Religion is an antidote to life but not a cure, only a Faith in Jesus the Christ is life found! The Welsh people lost their connection with their great revival of 1904 and subsequent world events and organized Religion is partially to be blamed. Today, the beautiful old Welsh Church buildings are hardly attended or used for other functions and likewise in many other western European countries However, a believe and faith can be restored, if the teaching matches that of its Teacher and is genuine. Jesus the Christ, not a men made religion, is that Teacher. Perhaps it is that time again to read or listen to what Jesus had to say about Life.

Rolph Engler, Newmarket, Canada

When my best friend drowned at 15, it took every ounce of strength in me to NOT commit suicide. Perhaps these kids--all friends--did not have that same strength.

I am a proud former Goth, and I don't remember any of my friends thinking it would be "cool" to commit suicide, just a nice way to end the torment.

Natalie, Johnson City, TN

I would like to thank your imaginary bearded man in the sky that you religious hypocrites never leave the American Bible Belt.
How many lives have been cut short in the name of religion, from the Crusades to the suicide bombers. When will this madness end?
Personally I do not need a false belief system to appreciate that life is short and precious!!
Please consider the poor parents of these young people that have to read your drivel.

Hansel, spain,

Just why are there so many US contributors to this article?

Howard, Manchester,

To be fair if i lived in Bridgend I probably top myself too.

Rob, Lima, Peru

What is wrong with these people?

Earl, Houston, TX/US

Where was God in their young lives?

Did the computer take the place of a loving
Heavenly Father who made us all for eternal
life not the material garbage the world chokes us with.
Live your life - love your family and do the best you can with the life God gave you - it is a great evil to
throw God's gift of life away! They never got started
in their lives.

BRING GOD BACK IN OUR LIVES!

Gran Jo, chicago, USA

The reason for teen suicides is really quite simple. Modern liberal society preaches that mankind is evil, that everyone is out for themselves, that transitory material possessions are all there is, that love is really just greed or sex, that humanity is destroying the planet, that everything is a lie and/or a fraud, that life has no meaning beyond health care plans and welfare payments.

Why shouldn't they kill themselves?

Marvin Penrod, Barksville, Iowa

I put it to all of you, every reader, that religeon (as ever controversial to talk about as it always has been) lays at the root of these tragedies.

Please don't manically assume I hate 'faith-heads', I am not just talking about religeon but also the conflictions and constrictions it places in the vulnerable (young) mind can leave you wasting years of your life second-guessing yourself and healing from the religous brain-washing.

People and even the youngest of children should be taught to respect Science, the real, living, proveable, saviour of mankind. Without it you would not be reading this post, nor would you have the computer, or house, or be able to communicate. Parents and the rest of us have to open up our minds.

Please note this isn't an attack on any of the parents. Just my contribution to anyone considering or contemplating adding to the list of tragedies.

We all know it's not worth it. Otherwise you wouldn't be reading this, thanks for reading.

:)

xander, manchester,

My brother commited suicide when I was nine...let me tell all of you thinking of doing this - you are doing no one a favor by committing suicide. It is selfish of you to think that your pain is so great, that it is better to end things and let other's suffer, than to fight the darkness and find joy in life again. There is always SOMEONE out there to reach out to, no matter how deep or how black that darkness is.

Shawn, BALDWINSVILLE, NY

Very sad. And it's so permanent. That's one of the worst things about suicide: There is no changing your mind.

I feel sorry for the parents since they were all so young.
We hope you don't grieve long- from the U.S.

Andy, Portland, OR

Thinning the herd... Darwin wins.

Ali al-brazerie, Knickerpicker upon Tyne,

Here I am at 56, fearing the onset of the ravages of time, and these children are so mixed up they end their lives?
There is something very wrong here.

edwina rigby, Blackburn, England

Unspeakably sad. What else is there to say?

ERrick Blair, Los Angeles, USA

These are tragic wastes of life. I feel for the families and friends.

I do not believe you need to believe in a god to fear death. The fact that you only get one shot at life, and when it's over it's over is enough for me to want to keep on living.

I have no religious beliefs, but I do have a strong will to live.

It is sad that there are still areas in a 'developed' country where the prospects for the young are so bleak. Sadly, no amount of comment here can change that. I hope that those who can, do.

Darren, Norwich,

Well doesn't make Wales sound like a great place.

Brad, Washington, DC

"Tegwyn Williams, the director of mental health services for Bro Morgannwg NHS Trust, said: “The key is to break down the stigma attached to suicide in the community so that people aren’t afraid to talk to someone if they feel depressed.”"

Perhaps if there was a little more "stigma" attached to suicide it would not appear so glamorous the article suggests.

Allen Brown, Shanghai, China

Anyone can depart this world at anytime, so why now? The one way trip can't be reversed. Enjoy each day. It's a gift. When your time is called, then go knowing you got the most out of the experience. Want to be remembered? Then care for someone else. Make someone happy. Do nice things. Sing and Rejoice. Fix something. Make someones day. Raise and love a child. The choices made now belittles who they were; makes them insignificant to the world. Hurts others. Makes it worse. Is selfish. Accomlishes nothing. Leaves an empty hole for others to stare at. So be a friend to the departed by stopping this idocy and go an make a real difference!

Eric Graven, Pittsburgh, PA/ USA

Dr. Peter F. Rowbotham's 1992 essay "The Importance of Being Noticed" may shed some light on these behaviors:

"We search for honor in favored venues and in chosen social institutions. We avoid those places and those social groupings which inhibit our search, which do not advance, and may even set back, our moral careers. As Harre (1980) has pointed out:

"'Recent studies of adolescence have shown many young people to have an almost obsessive interest and preoccupation with the maintenance of dignity and the careful scanning of the social environment for occasions and acts of possible humiliation.

"'In this context, the unorthodox bonding rituals of, for example, Hell's Angels and British soccer fans -- and now the deadly rituals of adolescent jihadi recruits -- may be seen as examples of a "system of honor that is an alternative to mainstream moral orders.'"

http://sisu.typepad.com/sisu/2004/03/in_some_groups_.html

Sissy Willis, Chelsea, MA USA

typical: five males kill themselves, but only the sole girl suicide is discussed; in the U.S., the suicide rate for boys and young men is more than 5 times that of females,and I believe it is similar in the UK. Too bad that is not taken seriously over there either. Without recognizing that being male is the main suicide risk, these tragic events will continue......and so will the practice of caring only about the occasional female suicide....

martin, davenport, ia/usa

Anybody think maybe our priorities here in the west are out of hand and we should focus on the things that matter NOT MATERIAL CONCERNS!!

Lance, Abilene, Texas,USA

Somehow suicides have been glamorized on this social networking site. ...leading to more and more deaths. Many kids with poor self esteem , being ignored or even taunted at school see all the tributes being paid to the victims and perhaps see it as their way of getting recognition, albeit their last. How sad for the families and friends left behind. There is nothing more important then improving a teenagers self worth. My deepest sympathy to all involved.

Nurse terri, Chicago, Il USA

I fail to see how faith in the man on the cross can help anyone. sending people to worship a fake god is more likely to send them over the edge if you ask me!

Karen , Northampton, Northamptonshire

My heart is broken for the families and friends of these sad and misguided young people. That they can't see they have been born into the best of times compared to their ancestors is so sad. They have all the chances that millions want and they end it for who knows what reasons. Yes, the world looks bleak, yes it is hard but we could go back and find it a thousand times harder in the past. God Bless the families in their anguish.

Patricia Anne, Cannington, Canada

Oh Yes Tom you are right, never has a christian killed themselves. Only Godless heathens commit suicide. That is a fact, much like the fact that the Untied States the great bastion of christian morals has a lower suicide rate than that of the UK!


*For those that cannot detect sarcasm, according to the WHO the suicide rate in America is much greater than that of the rate in the UK. As well Thomas Masaryk's theory describing a relationship with religiosity and suicide rates not to hold up under most circumstances.

Jon, Windsor, Ontario, Canada

To those who claim this senseless loss was due to a lack of religious faith I would propose that it is in fact the exact opposite. These misguided children were merely acting on the false promise of a better afterlife. When the pain of temporary adolescent depression became too great to bear, they acted on the faith they had been indoctrinated in since birth, not disimilar to an Islamic fanatic in search of promised virgins in the afterlife.
On the other hand, for those who live in reality knowing that nothing awaits us beyond death, this life becomes all the more precious. There is no other choice than to make it work here and now. This is why there is a dramatically lower incidence of suicide among atheist teens (and atheists in general).

Mark, Sacramento, CA

I fear our western world politics and media culture is giving us a big PR snow job on the facts. This is an epidemic and not without cause, kids as young as seven contemplate this get out clause. I think if we look to the findings of many studies which indicate the state policies of destroying familial bonds, anti crisis indoctrination and community have something to do with it, we may get a clue. We won't even get into education, which appears to be a lost cause, well done State. Or are we seeing the subtle results of a greater eugenics program. No child should be thinking these thoughts in the great consumer world we live in.

Andrew, Fox,WI,

If they think the kids are copying each other for some sort of prestige and a memorial website, which for adolescents is very plausible, then the adults around them, including the parents and friends of those who have committed suicide, need to de-glorify it. As painful as it may be, let the kids in that town know the truth about these kids' go through as they die, the bodily functions Hollywood and media in general gloss over.
And cut the crap about "angels watching over their families". That just gives some other kid another glorified view of suicide. "Once I'm dead I'll be able to be somebody, do some good." God in His mercy will hold and forgive as He will, but this is life or death for us. Tell them way to go, now your kid sister will grow up with no brother to look after her, your mom may live out her old age alone in a cold flat because you won't be around to help her, and your dad may drink himself into oblivion and beat them both up.
Tough Love when it counts!

HoboJo, Phoenix, AZ

It is of course not surprising to see such massive depressive behavior in a place where God has been equated with dirt, and Jesus or anything having to do with religion is laughed at. Perhaps this makes you feel better or is trendy to laugh at churchgoers and ridicule them, but the fact still remains that you are faithless, soulless and dull. It's no surprise that your kids see no hope in life, and have no future. The British empire has fallen, and now its dead carcass is rotting.

Pat Robertson, Orange County, CA

For the record, Tom S's statement is not representative of individuals in the United States. I may just as well posit that the christian religion has driven as many to suicide as no-religion. The question is superficial. Such acts I believe demand more thorough investigation. Given the history of religion and war though why should 'my' position not be the null hypothesis? In addition I would like to see a study that compares suicide as a result of poor mental health between christians and buddhist practitioners. This may test both questions as to whether or not religion is a suicide reducing agent and whether JC is the ultimate antidote.

Jeff Yarch, Chico, Ca.

Suicide is the culmination of depression, hopelessness and lack of love. I agree that the only solution is for a person to be "purpose driven" in thought and deed. When you have a purpose you have a reason to survive and thrive, and the only lasting purpose is that which you will find in Jesus.
The direct result of a humanistic society is suicide. After all...we evolved from monkeys and there is no God right? The only thing to live for would be pleasure, and that lasts for but a season. Look upwards, not inwards for the answer.

John, New York, USA

Tim, what I fail to understand is why those who do not believe in Jesus have such an utter disdain for those who do. I guess you find them intrinsically weak to believe in something that they cannot prove to be real. Why don't you take to heart the atheistic prose, "live and let live." By the way, Las Vegas is in Clark County.

Brett Hill, Houston, Texas

I don't know why these kids did what they did but to link it to bebo is ridiculous.

Friends set up mourning sites in the same way that adults send mass cards and attend funerals.

It's the same when a friend dies of natural causes or in an accident. The pages aren't dedicated "suicide sites".

Just reread the article. Most of these guys were over 18 - they weren't kids and would certainly be less liable to kill themselves because they read a tribute site to someone who had committed suicide.

But why try and blame bebo? Maybe these guys felt they had very little to live for and that they had very little opportunity to improve their lives.

fg, dublin, ireland

Thank you, American Jesus devotees, for making me laugh.

The writer who said he "pitied the children of South wales" - now now, that's not what the Bible taught, is it?

Howard, Manchester,

What a shame. These poor kids must not have been raised to believe in the Almighty. What do they think happens to them after they leave this earth? I can't imagine living like that.

Holdmah F. Koochiekooch, Brooklyn, NY/USA

Whenever something similar happens in Japan, Westerners talk and talk about broken society, the lack of individualism, etc. Does the same apply to the UK then?

Joe, London, UK

I cannot listen to someone who lives in Las Vegas talking about the need to get grounded in religious faith.

John R., Manchester, New Hampshire

Tom S,

According to the US and UK government statistics online, the US has a suicide rate of 10.9/100 000, while in the UK, it sits at 5.9/100 000.

I'm not sure how you reconcile that with your belief in 'faith'.

The fact that it is not reported in the US doesn't mean it doesn't happen.

Thomas Kingaroy, Geelong,

Don't be silly Tom S, Las Vegas, NV USA, it's not any worse than kids in the USA walking around and blowing each other away with hand guns. And when that's not happening we seem to hear a lot about priests abusing kids in their care. Religion isn't necessarily the answer here. A warm home, loving and caring parents who take an interest in everything their kids do and a healthy environment generally would go much further in deterring this kind of thing. Not something every parent can honestly say they provide and in any case even this wouldn't necessarily stop something like this happening. It's shocking how little time or attention some parents devote to their children or how little they truly know about their own kids, in which case it becomes a bit of a gamble as to what your children are being exposed to, what is influencing them and in the end how they turn out. Truly tragic!

Ken, Singapore,

We have allowed our society to become confusing and degrading and we now exploit the worst elements of the human condition in pop culture every day. We lampoon the corruption of children in entertainment and act shocked when they go over the edge. What is a person to do when the world around them has gone mad?

Dee, Canterbury, England

Wait. What.

You report that it has been shown that media reports about teen suicides increase the frequency of them. You report this. For decades there has been a tactic understanding that the media should under-report these incidents (let alone tell kids that its a trend or something).

I can understand that reporters generally do not want to feel responsible for another local death that is inspired by media coverage. I hope those involved with this story will not have to face the possible ramifications of it.

EO

EO, Waterloo, Canada

Sorry, kids. Suicide is just cowardice in the face of life. Period. I dont care how unhappy you are, you are a privileged bunch compared to the majority of people on earth. Try and think of others for a change.

NR, Bristol, UK

There is so much desperation in this world. I have a toddler and when I see these things happen I cringe at the thought of getting her through her teen years. Teens are desperate. They're desperate for acceptance or love or something...who knows??? How to prevent this? Who knows? I'm just going to hug mine as much as I can and make sure she knows I think she's valuable and worthy and loved. And to whoever said we don't see this in the US...what??? Yes we do. My best friend is a teacher and after one student of hers died in a tragic accident, his best friend hung himself. Then another in the group hung himself shortly after, followed by the remaining friend. Teen suicide is not a European problem. It's a world-wide problem. And something we should fight. The children of the world are screaming for help and we aren't hearing them, or when we do it's too late. Teens are so jaded, so pessimistic; we need to build them up and assure them the future is bright.

M. Fox, Chicago, Illinois, US

Something similar happened in Northern Ireland last year i think. Teenagers in a suicide pact. very tragic. but i think the local town, church, youth support services did a very good job afterwards. one of the strange dividends of the "troubles" in NI was a highly developed youth and community development program particularly in the depressed areas with high unemployment or sectarian divisions. Whilst this didnt stop the problem happening, they were in a good position to help support, counsel and tackle the issues with the survivors and the other young people in the area.
maybe they could offer advice to the Bridgend families?

Ed Burns, Hong Kong,

The internet is merely enabling them to express their feelings more readily. The triggers are already in place in the wider community. The South Wales area has appalling social deprivation and very little if anything to offer the youth of today. There are high levels of depression in all ages and appalling lack of services, help and support make things worse.To see bright kids mooching around with no hope and nowhere to go to socialise or let off steam like we did is depressing. You ask any youngster in S Wales deprived areas what they want to do when they are older and you can see the despair setting in. This is all down to the lack of investment and opportunity also the failure by governments to regenerate areas left barren by the decline in industry. Masses of money is supposed to be invested but seldom do any of us get any benefit from it .Someone else appears to be doing well but it isnt those in real need.Lack of services and support also doesnt help either

A Richards, Rhondda Cynon Taf, S Wales

Jesus loving people do spread the word in places like Clarke County,maybe it's compassion needed in South Wales, your young people see how predjuce you are and they are also able to read your thoughts,because you post them for all to see how hatefull you are to Jesus loving people. I guess your a Jesus hating person I take........hmmmmm. I pity the children of South Wales

cp, keller, tx

The minute something happens with an internet dimension there's a stampede to blame the medium and shoot the messenger. Perhaps that's easier than looking at reality.

Anyone with children knows how dismal they can find life - bullying in school has never been properly addressed for a start. They find it difficult to share experiences of school and social life and peer pressure with anyone who doesn't understand them - that leaves precisely the social networks implicated here. Far from being destructive, they may be the only thing that encourages disclosure and communication.

We victimize, criminalize and patronize children - almost anything except listen to them. Instead of turning schools into fortresses and delivering stern moral lectures to kids on the evils of Facebook, perhaps we could try spending some time with them?

Loftwork, Horley,

I feel there is more to this than meets the eye... i can't believe that it is as simple as having a memorial status symbol, or copy-cat suicides... taking your own life is a serious and desperate act... and i really feel there is more to this case than first seems... i hope they tear appart Bebo in their investigations and also (respectfully) carry out very thourough investigations in the local community... copying damaging behaviour or self-harming behaviour I can understand, but copying suicide is another matter entirely.

SR, midlands,

I believe you 'Jesus' loving 'North Americans' would be better off spreading the word in places like Clark County, or Las Vegas, than in South Wales.

Fr Tim, Blackpool, Lancashire

The news tells us about children killing themselves and mothers killing their babies... It is not sane that these kids would do what they did. Not sane in a societal sense. We need to find cause for these horrendous acts and take positive action to stop those forces from working on other kids to the point they kill themselves. You know, they don't just kill themselves - they kill pieces of everyone who cares about them. Suicide is the ultimate selfish act and all the memorials should reflect that ugly truth - or there will be more and more kids who destroy the lives of those around them.

Dr. Deano, Los Angeles, USA / CA

what a terrible loss! it shows how fragile and immature young people are and we shouldn't think that just becuase they look like adults that they think like adults and can think about what they doing from a long term perspective

JOhn Smith, Allston, Mass, US

I wonder to what degree their is any grounding in religious faith in the families of these kids. Here in the U.S. we don't hear too much
on that score, with regard to Europe, that can be described as positive. What is it? 10% church attendance? A solid religious
faith--I'm talking the one with the man on the cross--is the ultimate antidote to this terrible situation...

Tom S, Las Vegas, NV USA

Praying for their families.
This is so sad and tragic.

Pam, Sheridan, Wyoming

this really has an impact on the youth today i used to go on bebo and at first i thought it was very cool and now i disagree to it seems that this was infact a death pact none of these teens seemed unhappy and if they were they hid it extreamley well it makes me sad that these bright young people would take their lives so suddenly it really makes you think .......i hope others will not do this R.I.P. seven angels may you watch over us and protect all your loved ones

sally, south sydney, australia

What a waste...what a crazy waste.. What point is there in having a tribute website if you are dead and gone? Why not lead a good life instead?

I feel very sorry for the parents and the others left behind...this is very sad. And also very, very pointless. There is nothing heroic in doing things like this.

Shane, Dublin, Ireland

Wow! This is terrible! It seems like some kind of pact.... I hope no others do this....

Timtan , tampa, usa