It's the "illness Du Jour", Like SAD or one of those other "fad" illnesses/diseases etc..
kids are being raised by TV/Music/Media etc etc etc wtih no parental interaction anymore, and this is the kids way of grabbing attention... Personally.. i think if you go through the pains of "attempted" suicide, the authorities should have the option of finishing it for you... don't waste my time or resources for your cry for ttention..