Young people and suicide

Fortunately, suicide in young people under the age of 18 is rare

  • Although rates are probably under-reported, in the UK, around 180-200 young people die by suicide each year.
  • Children as young as 11 have died by suicide.
  • Suicide rates increase with age and are higher in late teens.
  • Boys are more than twice as likely to die by suicide as girls.
  • The most common method of suicide is hanging
  • Approximately half of those who die are not known to any agency or service.

Last updated: 15 August, 2016