’Really tragic’: Suicide leading cause of death for 15-17-year-olds in Qld

With World Suicide Prevention Day being marked on Saturday, sobering statistics have emerged on the rising long-term rate of youth suicide in Queensland.

At least one young Queenslander is dying by suicide every month, with alarming new statistics showing it is the leading cause of death for children aged 15 to 17.

In the past year 20, children have lost their lives to suicide, according to the Queensland Family and Child Commission.

Distressingly, one of those children was under 10. Five were young people aged between 10 and 14.

While that figure fell by a third compared to the previous year – when 30 children lost their lives – QFCC principal commissioner Luke Twyford warned the long-term rate of youth suicide was continuing to rise.

Queensland Family and Child Commission principal commissioner Luke Twyford. Picture: Patrick Woods.

“The death of any child, regardless of circumstances, is tragic and the enduring effect on loved ones is profound, but when it happens by their own hand, it can be especially difficult to comprehend,” Mr Twyford said.

“When it’s a suicide it really represents a loss of hope, and it’s devastating.”

Saturday is World Suicide Prevention Day, and Mr Twyford said it was crucial parents and the community were aware of common factors that were common among teens who committed suicide.

“Sadly, suicide is the leading cause of death for 15-17-year-olds; that’s really tragic,” he said.

“We analyse a number of these deaths to try to find things where we could prevent them.

“While most youth suicides can’t be predicted, we do know that suicidal behaviours in young people are often not the result of a single cause, with multiple stressors and adverse life experiences being present.

Saturday is World Suicide Prevention Day.

“All but one of the young people who died by suicide had experienced stressful life events, with the four most common stressors including exposure to domestic and family violence, familial alcohol and substance misuse, home instability, and parental separation or divorce.”

Mr Twyford said often things which don’t seem that “big of a deal” to adults – such as failing a test, breaking up with their first love or falling out with a friend – could have a significant effect on kids’ wellbeing.

Schools also had an important role to play.

“We’re very mindful that we do ask a lot of schools,” Mr Twyford said.

“However, teachers know their students very well, and can often be one of people to pick up that something is not quite right.”

Mr Twyford said society was getting better at speaking about mental health, particularly following the Covid pandemic, but there was always more work to be done.

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE

If you or someone you know needs assistance:

Lifeline on 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au/

Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 or at www.beyondblue.org.au