Around one-third of Australian teens (34%) aged 14-19 years have experienced suicidal thoughts and behaviours in the last 12 months, according to a new report from the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS).
The report draws on data from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC) - Australia's largest and longest-running study of child development, which has followed 10,000 children and their families since 2004.
The findings reveal gender differences in how suicidal thoughts and behaviours are experienced with females (38%) more likely than males (31%) to report having these experiences.
For females, suicidal ideation, planning and attempts peaked at age 16-17 (18%) before declining. For males, the peak was also at age 16-17 (13%) but remained steady until age 18-19.
Suicide attempts do not always include ideation or planning. Around 1 in 8 males (12%) attempted suicide without ideation or planning at 14-15 years, while this was the case for 9% of females at 16-17 years.
Senior Survey Manager at AIFS, Agatha Faulkner, said the findings indicate that 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," said Agatha Faulkner.
"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."
The report also shows that complex life experiences are evident for young people with suicidal thoughts and behaviours. It reveals affected individuals often face a range of challenges, including parental separation, financial stress, disability, and symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Experiences such as substance use and bullying - both as victims and perpetrators - were also associated with suicidal distress.
AIFS Director, Liz Neville, said the research signals where supports could be boosted for those who are more impacted.
"Young people going through major life challenges, potentially making suicidal thoughts and behaviours more likely - like financial stress, parental separation or bullying - need to be monitored and well supported by parents, schools and practitioners working with families."
Nieves Murray, CEO at Suicide Prevention Australia, said the research highlights the importance of listening to young people and recognising that distress can manifest in many ways.
"This research is a stark reminder that suicidal distress among young people can emerge suddenly and without warning. We must move beyond crisis-only responses and ensure support starts early, is consistent, and involves the whole community," Nieves Murray said.
"Parents, educators, health professionals and peers play an important role in creating safe, connected environments where young people feel seen, heard, and supported. When we listen and act on what young people tell us, we have the best chance of preventing potential tragedies."
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.
Suicide is a significant issue in Australia, with efforts underway through the National Suicide Prevention Strategy 2025-2035, released in February, to reduce the number of Australian lives lost to suicide.
AIFS has been following young people for more than 20 years, asking about key aspects of life, including health, relationships, work, education and lifestyle.
This study utilised 3 waves of data, collected when the participants were aged from 14-15 to 18-19 years. The last data was collected in 2018. LSAC is funded by the Department of Social Services.
