Teen Problem No Worse — Claim (Press, 25 May 1989)

In Ashburton, prominent locals, including member of Parliament Jenny Shipley and Ashburton College principal Digby Prosser, have responded to increasing sensationalism surrounding teenage issues in the area. Their comments followed reports of a supposed suicide pact among local youths, as well as media attention on two recent teenage suicides. Both Shipley and Prosser assert that although youth suicide is a significant concern nationwide, the challenges faced by Ashburton’s teenagers are comparable to those in other small towns, and do not represent a unique crisis. Shipley expressed her anger at the media's portrayal of the situation, which she believes exaggerates the problems by suggesting that Ashburton is uniquely afflicted and has been neglectful in addressing youth issues. According to her, the reports highlighting drug use, sexual exploitation, and devil worship lack substantiated evidence and represent only a minor part of the community. She pointed out that the reported suicide pact among six teenagers is unfounded and that the tragic suicides are tied to specific events rather than a pervasive issue. She emphasised the town's stability and care and noted the ongoing efforts by residents to secure more mental health services for young people. Prosser echoed Shipley's sentiments, asserting that Ashburton College likely has fewer “at risk” students compared to high schools in larger cities like Christchurch. He suggested that the close-knit nature of small communities contributes to heightened visibility of local tragedies and issues. While he acknowledged a lack of support services for youth, he argued that this is a broader issue that affects similar towns across New Zealand, not just Ashburton. Mr Michael Aitken, co-ordinator of the crisis-intervention team at Christchurch Hospital, announced a seminar planned for that coming Sunday aimed at discussing available resources for supporting stressed young people in Ashburton. The seminar, which is directed at individuals working with youths, is intended to enhance skills in recognising and managing stress among young people. Aitken clarified that this seminar was not a direct response to the recent youth suicide but had been organised weeks in advance. In summary, while recent tragic events have drawn national attention to the challenges faced by teenagers in Ashburton, local leaders contend that the issues reflect wider trends seen in many other communities, and they advocate for a balanced view that underscores the supportive nature of their town.

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