Just one look at Brigend says it all, so depressing, nothing there at all for kids, not even adults I would think. And with the rest of the country having gone to the dogs thaks to Labour, well what a surprise people want to escape the only way they know how.

Gerald, Huddersfield, UK

PAUL OF NETHERLANDS..
It makes me so angry that people write out of ignorance like you. It is not demonstrated by Islam that the promise of eternal life and paradise encourages people to commit suicide. It is the life you lead that permits you paradise but first you have to live it. The Quran states that you are rewarded for every day that you struggle through and pass the tests that Allah sends you. I live local to the area of the suicides and if these young people had faith to relish in then perhaps they would not feel so empty that they can end their short lives so sadly and abruptly.

A Ahmad, south wales,

To Kaye of Bridgend I offer my sympathy. But as you really are at the front end of this, do you think there is some digging up to do. The Coroner says the two recent deaths are not linked. I think he must have his head in the sand. Could you not produce a few figures, and show where the connection is? Some of the people listed in the article are obviously no longer at school - but could there be a link with particular schools? There MUST be something going on

Penny, Jersey,

"martha, Miami" I cannot comprehend that you would seem to advocate an educated nation turning back to religion as a means to help young people be more balanced. Although these young people taking there own lives is undeniably tragic, would you rather a generation is brought up to believe in a ludicrus concept such as heaven and hell and then maybe they can follow the U.S example and launch another crusade? these young people do not need religion they just need support, support that has answers and does not advocate looking upwards and hoping hard!

sam, surrey, uk

I live in Bridgend and having 2 teenage daughters am becoming increasingly worried.. Not sure what's going on around here but one of my daughter's needed councelling a few yrs ago for problems with bullying at school. A friend of my daughters killed himeslf a couple of yrs ago on a railway line which was heart rendering - the schools need to start tackling this problem very soon because it's out of control here!

Kaye, Bridgend, South Wales

To Martha of Miami: I hardly see that "post-Christian" Britain has anything to do with it. First, I've seen no report of the religious views of these kids. Secondly, one would think that a belief system that promised eternal life in paradise might actually encourage suicide rather than reduce it. This is demonstrably the case for islam and I see no reason for Christians to be any less keen to join their maker.

Paul, Wassenaar, The Netherlands

Of course there must be a link. I don't know how it could be done but they should be banned. From what little I know about these social networks is enough to tell me that they will lead to extremely dangerous situations. I don't "join" when asked by people who know me because, mostly, I don't want a whole string of extra junk mail to contend with that would result.. Parents must despair at how much time their children are spending on the internet - and you can't be standing over their shoulders all the time! This is just tragic..........but unless all internet connections are severed, it - or something equally serious - will happen again.

Penny, Jersey,

I know the US has its own difficulties with communication between the generations but you wouldn't believe what it's like in the UK.

The combination of teenage sociopaths who are completely untouchable and the threat of pedophiles in the adult population has destroyed the trust.

(I'm a single man and I just can't be seen to even look at kids. I have always made a point of not being alone with my nieces and nephews so that I can't possibly be accused of anything.)

Kids, like those in Bridgend, are totally bereft of dreams of possible futures because they can't look to the adults in their community who might be able to show them their options. Me, I grew up as a outsider, but, in spite of that, I'm established in a profession that didn't even exist when I had to make decisions about my future.

Community leaders HAVE to find a way of re-establishing the trust.

Eamonn, Cardiff,

the media should stop cover this story to prevent youngster in Bridgend from thinking it 's actually cool to hang themselves

marco, london,

Maybe this has nothing to do with religion. A 'Christian' US is hardly tragedy free.

Lee, Southampton, England

A Bridge to the End............. It is bizarre that they all chose hanging even though there are other methods for reaching the afterlife.

Tamara, Coventry, UK

I lived in Bridgend for 13 years. I am now 45. I had a school friend who hung himself aged 17. What are the schools doing? Are they talking about what has happened? Why do young Welsh people hang themselves? It's a very brutal and determined way to die.

JAH, Georgetown, Caribbean

What does this article tell us?
1. Young people are highly suggestible. Suicides among adolescents tend to come in bunches-- this is hardly news.
2. Maybe a "post-Christian" Britain isn't a good thing. Thinking that life makes sense and has a purpose might just be better than the present atheistic alternative.
3. Somehow, "lottery funding for suicide prevention schemes" says it all about society. No further comment needed.

Martha, Miami, Florida USA

I don't think the authorities or adults in general know what young people experience on social networks so how do they know there isn't a connection?

Mrs Davies, Oxford,

Homicide or Suicide? Where are the notes and have the handwriting experts confirmed them? Life is precious - it is hard - but death is not an escape from pain or from responsibility. Accept the pain and live and find the reason for living. But, make sure this isnt a homicidal maniac or cult first.

jad, Yacolt, WA USA

Why are we in such denial here? Of course these are mostly linked and how many other young people's families have to suffer before we act?

Simply for a just in Case...I actually think all Bebo members from this area should be suspended for a few months. Hey I am real sure people would not mind, plenty other sites you can use.

What next....Hollywood will make a film and these kids really will have created their own fame by suicide.

I am so upset about this.

Zoe, Lancashire, UK