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Key facts about youth suicide in Queensland
The following facts about the suicides of Queensland children and young people aged 10 - 17 between 2004 to 2007 are provided to raise awareness of the risk factors associated with youth suicide. The Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian has conducted thorough research and analysis in the area to provide information which could help prevent young people taking their own lives.
Facts about Queensland children and young people aged 10 to 17 years for the period from 2004 to 2007:
- Queensland children and young people suicided at a rate well above the national average
- suicide was one of the most common causes of death of Queensland children and young people
- the number and rate of youth suicides has increased since 2004
- 63% of children and young people who suicided had significant behavioural problems
- 60% of children and young people who suicided had previously stated or implied their intent
- 58% of children and young people expressed suicidal thoughts and plans, self harmed or previously attempted suicide
- 43% of children and young people who suicided had mental health problems
- 42% of suicides were contagion or imitative suicides, and
- 28% of children and young people who suicided were Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, most aged between 10 and 14 years
Youth suicide is preventable – together we can do something about it
