Mauritius faces mental health crisis in schools amid rising suicide and bullying incidents

Mélanie Vigier de Latour-Bérenger, a psychosociologist and director at Konekte, advocates for a comprehensive transformation of support structures. The bullying incident involved a 14-year-old student filing a complaint against another student at a denominational institution in Curepipe, with the incident reportedly filmed. The Family Protection Brigade and police are investigating, and the accused student has been suspended.

The Diocesan Service of Catholic Education stated that all necessary measures have been taken, and confidentiality is being maintained to protect the minors involved. Following this, a 19-year-old student was found dead at Polytechnics Mauritius, and a 21-year-old man subsequently died by suicide in Goodlands, reportedly due to grief. Polytechnics Mauritius expressed condolences and confirmed psychological support is available, urging against speculation.

Vigier de Latour-Bérenger emphasizes that school violence and harassment should not be minimized, highlighting the severe psychological impact beyond physical injuries, affecting self-esteem, trust, and mental well-being. She notes that trauma and chronic stress can alter brain development and function, leading to anxiety, depression, social isolation, and an increased risk of suicidal beh