A Sobering Reality: One-Third of Teens Affected
Findings from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC)—Australia’s largest and longest-running study of child development—show that around one-third of teens aged 14–19 have experienced suicidal thoughts or behaviours in the past year. Girls report these experiences more frequently than boys.
Patterns vary by age and gender. For both suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts peak around 16–17 years old. While these begin to decline for girls after this age, boys often continue to experience rising planning behaviours into late adolescence.
Alarmingly, suicide attempts can sometimes occur without prior warning signs. Some young people attempt suicide without previously reporting suicidal thoughts or plans, highlighting how complex and unpredictable the issue can be.
Risk Trajectories: Not All Youth Follow the Same Path
The LSAC research found that young people follow different pathways. A small proportion exhibit persistent suicidal thoughts and behaviours, while others show emerging or improving patterns over time. This highlights the importance of tailored supports that meet different needs rather than one-size-fits-all responses.
The Broader Lens: Life Challenges and Mental Health
Teen suicide is not only about mental health conditions but also about wider life stressors. These may include parental separation, financial difficulties, disability, depression and anxiety, substance use, or involvement in bullying. Addressing these complex challenges requires holistic approaches that bring together families, schools, communities, and services.
From Data to Action: Early, Inclusive Interventions
What emerges clearly is that support must be flexible, personal, and available early. Because some young people attempt suicide without warning, prevention strategies cannot rely only on detecting signs. Instead, communities must work to create safe and connected environments where young people feel seen, valued, and supported.
The release of the LSAC findings coincides with the development of a national suicide prevention strategy, offering a timely opportunity to strengthen services and policies. But data alone cannot save lives—what matters most is how communities act together with compassion and care.
Why This Matters for the Cardijn Community
The Cardijn Community is uniquely positioned to respond to this challenge. Our tradition calls us to see, judge, and act in the face of human suffering. Suicide among our young people is not only a health issue but also a moral and social concern that requires collective engagement.
Here are some possible steps for our community:
- Early Engagement – Run workshops or safe spaces where young people can share their experiences and learn coping skills.
- Peer-Led Support Networks – Empower youth mentors to support one another and reduce stigma around help-seeking.
- Family and Caregiver Education – Provide resources to help families recognise distress early and build supportive environments.
- Collaborative School Outreach – Partner with schools to promote well-being and encourage professional support when needed.
- Multidimensional Care – Work alongside professional services to address both mental health and wider life stressors.
- Awareness Campaigns – Share messages that normalise open conversations about suicide and highlight available supports.
A Call to Community Action
Teen suicide is one of the most pressing challenges of our time. It is widespread, unpredictable, and deeply tied to broader struggles that young people face. Yet there is hope. With early intervention, compassionate outreach, and strong community connection, lives can be saved.
For the Cardijn Community, this is not only about responding to a crisis but about living our mission—helping to create a society where every young person knows they are valued and never alone.