Bereaved parents criticise review into student suicides for dodging real issue

The parents of a student who took her own life have criticised a government-commissioned report into student suicides for “dodging the real issue”.

It comes after the review found there had been 107 suspected student suicides and dozens more incidents of self-harm at UK universities in just one year.

The Department for Education (DfE)-commissioned review said 73 higher education providers collectively reported a total of 169 incidents during the 2023/24 academic year.

These included 107 suspected suicides and 62 incidents of non-fatal self-harm.

Families of students who have died say they have been left “in the dark” by universities, accusing some of being “evasive and unaccountable” in the wake of tragedy.

Nearly one in four cases involved international students, the report states. First-year undergraduates were disproportionately affected, and a third of all cases involved students who had been missing classes prior to the incident.

Despite 70% of the students being known to wellbeing services, the review uncovered repeated failures to act on warning signs, such as poor attendance or disclosures of distress.

Outreach to grieving families and affected staff was also found to be patchy and inconsistent.

The report highlights a complex list of contributing factors. These range from diagnosed mental health conditions and academic pressure to financial difficulties and experiences of sexual or physical assault. Social isolation, relationship breakdowns and housing problems were also cited in dozens of cases.

The study – by experts at the National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Safety in Mental Health (NCISH) at the University of Manchester – has called for a version of the “duty of candour” to be introduced to the higher education sector to ensure universities are open and transparent with bereaved families.

‘Ignores the broken system’

However the parents Natasha Abrahart, a student with chronic anxiety who took her own life ahead of a university presentation, criticised the review for failing to address the underlying “systemic issues” in higher education.

The 20-year-old University of Bristol physics student was found dead in her flat in April 2018.

Her father Dr Robert Abrahart said: “This review points out the cracks, but ignores the broken system underneath.

“We don’t need more reports that dodge the real issue. We need change.

“We need a legal duty of care in higher education – before more young lives are lost.

Ms Abrahart’s mother Margaret added: “This report has identified some of the things that go wrong, but there is nothing new that we did not know already.

“What it needs to do is address why these things happen.

“Unless you address the underlying university systems and make them safe, you won’t solve the problem.”

‘Range of pressures’ facing students

A spokesperson from Samaritans told Sky News the review “highlights the significant role that institutions like universities can play in reducing lives lost to suicide”.

Debbie Laycock, head of policy, public affairs and campaigning at the charity, said: “Students face a range of pressures during their time at university, and it’s vital that their mental health and wellbeing are prioritised alongside their academic studies.

“A crucial first step is making sure staff who work directly with students are trained in suicide prevention, so they’re equipped to recognise warning signs and potentially save a life.”

The DfE has said it is reviewing the report’s findings and will work with universities to strengthen student welfare and mental health services.

It has allocated £15m to support higher education providers in developing mental health and suicide prevention strategies in the 2024/25 academic year.

This funding is intended to facilitate the adoption of best practices and improve the overall wellbeing of students across institutions.