Suicide rate among children and young people rose 50% in 10 years, figures show

"The analysis looked at data from almost 12 million children and young people who were aged between 15 and 25 from 2011-12 to 2021-22. A total of 440 young people killed themselves in 2021-22, an increase of 47% compared with 300 such deaths in 2011-22, according to analysis by the ONS. There were 4,315 suicide deaths across the whole period."

"Gemma Byrne, the policy and influencing manager of Mind, said the figures were devastating and show that we are sliding backwards, not moving forwards, on young people's mental health. The causes of suicide are complex and differ from person to person, but we know that over half a million people under 18 are on mental health waiting lists, with one in four of them waiting for more than two years for meaningful care, Byrne added."

Suicide rates among children and young people aged 15–25 rose substantially between 2011-12 and 2021-22, based on almost 12 million individuals. Annual deaths increased from around 300 to 440, totaling 4,315 across the period and producing a roughly 54% rise in the rate per 100,000. Rates peak around the summer exam period with an elevated spring rate and a slight dip at the start of the academic year. Small but significant sex differences appear across the year, with a highest female rate in early May of 0.53 per 100,000. Over half a million under-18s are on mental-health waiting lists, with one in four waiting more than two years for meaningful care. Calls exist for investment in timely support, national early support hubs, and measures to reduce waiting lists so young people can access help earlier.

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