SILENCE IN THE FACE OF CHILD SUFFERING: BETWEEN FEAR AND THE UNKNOWN

Abstract

Child and adolescent suicide is a serious public health problem, marked by social taboos and denial that hinder its understanding in Brazil. The belief that childhood and adolescence are naturally protected from psychological suffering contributes to the invisibilization of emotional pain, underreporting, and delayed help-seeking. This silence acts as a factor that worsens mental distress. The aim of this study was to analyze child and adolescent suicide from a psychosocial perspective. This is a qualitative literature review based on national and international studies. The research is justified by the need to broaden the debate, overcoming reductionist views of suicide as an isolated act. The results indicate that suicidal behavior is multifactorial, associated with psychological suffering, violence, fragile social bonds, and lack of institutional support. Early warning signs are often ignored, leading to delayed access to care. The discussion shows that child suicide reveals collective failures in protection systems. Effective prevention strategies require intersectoral actions and strengthening of family, school, and community networks. It is concluded that addressing this issue requires breaking social silence, destigmatizing psychological suffering, and recognizing children and adolescents as rights-bearing individuals. More than preventing deaths, it is about promoting care, belonging, and dignity.