The Potential of Religious Education in Preventing Suicide among Children and Adolescents in Poland : Theoretical Analysis and Implications for Pre-suicidal Prevention

Kurzfassung/Abstract

The second leading cause of death in Poland is suicide committed by young people aged 7 to 18 years . It appears that not enough is being done in the Polish Catho­lic community to protect the young generation from self-destructive behaviour . The preventive powers of Christianity and Religious Education in this area remain largely unutilised . This article not only highlights the primary causes and various aspects of su­icide among children and youth in Poland, but it also signals (on the level of theoretical considerations) the ‘pro-life potential’ that lies in Religious Education . The implications related to the teaching of religion are presented as a starting point for the systemic and planned religious-pedagogical and pastoral activities for suicide prevention, as well as mental and spiritual support of students at risk of suicide.