Tragic Deaths of Two Adolescents in Jaén: An Investigation into Bullying and Mental Health Support

On Monday, the Ministry of Educational Development and Vocational Training of the Junta de Andalucía confirmed that one of the two adolescents found dead in Jaén on Saturday had been enrolled in a vocational training program at IES San Juan Bosco. The incident has raised serious concerns regarding the mental health support available to students, as it was revealed that the institute had maintained an open self-harm protocol last academic year. Despite this, the details surrounding the tragic death of the two young girls, aged 15 and 16, remain unclear and under police investigation. The Ministry released a statement indicating that both minors had recently graduated from Obligatory Secondary Education, with only one currently enrolled in vocational training. According to the Junta, the other student had dropped out in September but had also been under the self-harm protocol while attending IES Santa Catalina. This protocol included interventions from school counselors and nurses, as well as support within their family contexts. While the Ministry extended condolences to the families and called for calm amid the ongoing police investigation, they emphasized the importance of avoiding speculation regarding the events leading up to the tragedy. Witnesses and classmates have reportedly suggested that both girls had been victims of bullying, a claim the National Police did not confirm, citing the judicial secrecy surrounding the investigation. The father of one of the deceased girls has publicly disputed allegations of bullying, asserting that his daughter was a happy individual without any depression or self-esteem issues. He urged authorities to investigate the case thoroughly, expressing skepticism about the suggestion of a coordinated suicide, which he described as creating 'the perfect suicide when it is the perfect homicide.' He has also highlighted the alarming circumstances surrounding his daughter's last moments, noting that she received a message from her friend stating her intention to take her life shortly before sending a text to her boyfriend to end their relationship. Tragically, the parents of the two girls located their lifeless bodies based on mobile phone signals, but efforts by health services were unable to reverse the situation. The father has also called attention to safety concerns in the area where the bodies were found, indicating that improved lighting could potentially prevent similar tragedies in the future. This incident has sparked a broader dialogue about the need for effective mental health support and anti-bullying measures in educational settings, especially as more adolescents face challenges related to peer interactions and mental wellness. As the community mourns the loss of these young lives, it serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need for increased awareness, understanding, and action to protect the mental health of students. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2