On Thursday, April 17, 2025, a terrible tragedy occurred in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, French Guiana. A 9-year-old child took his own life after his cell phone was confiscated. His family, friends, and the entire community are devastated. An investigation has been launched.
1/10 Tragedy in French Guiana
The town of Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni in French Guiana is in mourning. On Thursday, April 17, 2025, a 9-year-old child committed suicide after his cell phone was taken from him.
2/10 Facts
The incident occurred in the Jakata district. According to several local media reports, the child was found dead in his home. His mother reportedly confiscated his phone as punishment.
3/10 Home Alone
Moments later, the young woman reportedly went to visit neighbors while her partner was showering outside. The boy was left alone in the house for a few minutes.
4/10 Firefighters’ intervention
Upon returning home, the stepfather found the child unconscious and began administering first aid. The fire department and ambulance crews then responded. Unfortunately, the boy could not be saved.
5/10 Calm child
According to people close to the child and statements cited by France Info , the student was ” a quiet, discreet boy, very attached to his parents .” He would have turned 10 in a few months, in October.
6/10 Investigation launched
The Cayenne prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation to determine the circumstances and course of this tragic incident. Police have already questioned several people.
7/10 The mother and her partner were taken to hospital
The shocked mother and her partner were taken to hospital. A psychological support group may also be established at the boy’s school to help his friends and teachers.
8/10 Many questions remain.
Emotions are still running high in the town of Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni. This tragedy has reignited the debate about children’s relationship with screens. More and more young girls and boys are addicted to their cell phones. Even if they don’t get angry when someone takes their phone away, the worst can happen. Residents of the neighborhood where the child died prematurely are still reeling from the shock.
9/10 Internet users’ reaction
On social media, users commented en masse on this tragic event. “This is so sad. I feel sorry for the poor parents. At home, when the punishment is confiscating screens, it often ends in a breakdown. Besides being a teenager, this is terrible! My condolences. Stay strong !”, “Do we realize how cell phones affect our children’s lives? We need to be vigilant .”
10/10 Support messages and serious follow-up
“My deepest condolences to the parents; no words can ease such pain. May they be surrounded by love and support .” “This is a result of a consumer society, and he is not the only person in the world who takes their own life over trivial matters like a cell phone. Condolences to the family . ” “These phones and social media are a disaster for our children ” – these are some of the comments posted on Facebook. It’s an alarming observation.
