The new school semester, which began a week ago, has called public attention to a few student suicide attempts.

The Shanghai Daily reported that within the past week, four middle school students in the city attempted suicide, although three survived.

A commentary in China Daily said increasing pressure and worsening family ties have become the main reasons for such actions. Because students are evaluated according to their academic performance, those who are poor performers fail to win recognition from society. This, in turn, could be a heavy blow for them at every crucial stage of confidence building, it said.

Another article in the Shanghai Daily points out that teenagers today face too much pressure, trying to perform well academically, act properly and fit in socially. Meanwhile, their growing anxieties, self-identity and a need for independence have often been neglected. The article suggests parents, teachers and the community create a network of friends and family and activities that may help teenagers deal with everyday frustrations, depression and distress.

Both the articles say life education is necessary in helping students to better appreciate their lives and that many cities are improving services that offer psychological help to students.