Concerning number of Aussie teens experiencing suicidal thoughts
Young Aussie Rachael has detailed her experience with suicidal ideation as new research reveals it affects an alarming number of teens.
One in three Australian teens experienced suicidal thoughts and behaviours in the last year, according to a concerning new report that has prompted calls for early intervention.
Teens who’d experienced suicidal thoughts or behaviours had often faced a range of challenges, including parental separation, financial stress, and mental health challenges.
Substance use and bullying – both as victims and perpetrators – were also associated with suicidal distress, the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) research showed.
Suicidal thoughts or behaviours could include ideation, planning or attempt.
Rachael Burns, 22, has grappled with mental health challenges including an eating disorder.
The advocate, from WA, experienced suicidal thoughts as a teenager.
“I think I struggled to realise at the time that what I was experiencing was suicidal ideation,” Ms Burns said.
She believes academic pressure was a contributing factor.
“I felt as though my grades were far more important than my own wellbeing,” she said.
While she still has good and bad days, Ms Burns said advocacy had helped her find her purpose.
“I really wish that I’d had more support in understanding neurodivergence growing up,” she said.
“I would have had a lot more compassion for myself.”
For girls, reporting any of suicidal thoughts and behaviours peaked at age 16–17 (18 per cent) before declining, the AIFS research found.
For boys, this was 13 per cent at age 16-17 and remained steady at age 18-19.
AIFS senior survey manager Agatha Faulkner said the findings indicated supports for young people need to be tailored, dynamic and start at an early age.
“This research shows that suicidal thoughts and behaviours in young people are complex, unpredictable, and often don’t follow a linear path,” Ms Faulkner said.
“Some young people attempt suicide without prior ideation or planning, which can understandably be a shock for their families and friends.
“For males in our study, this peaked at 14-15 years, showing that mental health interventions should start very early on.”
AIFS director Liz Neville said young people going through major life challenges, potentially making suicidal thoughts and behaviours more likely – like financial stress or bullying – needed to be monitored and well supported by parents, schools and practitioners.
The research found 34 per cent of young people aged 14 to 19 reported suicidal thoughts and behaviours in the last 12 months.
The research involved interviews with thousands of young people.
Teens were surveyed three times between the ages of 14 and 19 as part of Growing Up in Australia: The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children.
These interviews were conducted between 2014 and 2018.
The most common trajectory for young people was to report no form of suicidal thoughts or behaviours, the report said.
Suicide Prevention Australia chief executive Nieves Murray said the research highlighted the importance of listening to young people and recognising that distress could manifest in many ways.
“This research is a stark reminder that suicidal distress among young people can emerge suddenly and without warning,” she said.
“We must move beyond crisis-only responses and ensure support starts early, is consistent, and involves the whole community.”
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 298 Australian young people aged 18 to 24 died by suicide in 2023.
Ninety-four suicides occurred among children and adolescents aged 17 and under, with the majority aged 15 to 17.
Suicide was the leading cause of death for Australians aged between 15 and 24.
If you or someone you know needs help call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline (for people aged 5–25 years) on 1800 55 1800
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Originally published as Concerning number of Aussie teens experiencing suicidal thoughts
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