Child’s suicide after exam results sparks calls for positive parenting

The reported suicide of a primary school learner in Ntcheu following examination results has renewed calls for positive parenting and better mental health support in schools.

The learner, identified by police as Naomi Lazaro of Enaya Village under Traditional Authority Kwataine, reportedly consumed a suspected poisonous substance on Saturday after becoming distressed over her examination results.

She was rushed to hospital but died while receiving treatment. Police said a post-mortem established that the cause of death was poisoning.

Child rights advocate Amos Chibwana said the tragedy should remind parents that children need understanding and reassurance, especially when they perform poorly in school.

“Parents must embrace positive parenting by building strong relationships with their children. They should be approachable so that children feel free to share their fears, disappointments and challenges without fear of punishment,” Chibwana told Malawi24.

He said parents should avoid reacting with anger or harsh punishment when children fail examinations, warning that such responses can leave children feeling isolated and hopeless.

Chibwana also urged schools to strengthen mental health support by providing counselling services and creating safe environments where learners can openly express their concerns and seek help before problems escalate.

Education expert Victor Chikoti said teachers should adopt child-friendly methods of releasing examination results to avoid humiliating learners who do not perform well.

He said schools should focus on encouraging learners to improve rather than making them feel ashamed, stressing that examination results should never define a child’s worth or future.