Suicidal thoughts and behaviours are a major but preventable public health concern. This snapshot discusses suicidal thoughts and behaviours in adolescence. It describes the characteristics of young people with and without suicidal thoughts and behaviours. This evidence is important to inform policymakers about the nature of suicidal distress for Australian adolescents. 

The findings support the need for suicide prevention efforts to consider the individual risk factors and key social determinants of suicidal thoughts and behaviours for young people, recognising the different trajectories for males and females. This includes incorporating individual, psychological and social factors.

Suicide is a significant issue in Australia, with efforts underway through the National Suicide Prevention Strategy 2025–2035 to reduce the number of Australian lives lost to suicide.

The report is accompanied by a supplementary materials document.

Key findings

• 34% of young people, aged 14–19 years, reported suicidal thoughts or behaviours in the last 12 months.
• Females (38%) were more likely than males (31%) to report these experiences.
• Each of suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts peaked at age 16–17 for females, while planning continued to rise for males into age 18–19.
• 3% had persistent suicidal thoughts and behaviours, 10% showed emerging patterns, and 7% showed improving trajectories.
• Suicide attempts can occur without prior ideation or planning, especially among boys.