Human Rights Commission to look for ways to reduce youth suicide

The Guardian

Australia’s Human Rights Commission has begun an investigation to improve understanding of self-harm and suicide among the country’s teenagers and young adults (ages 15–24), with the goal of improving prevention efforts. The children’s commissioner, Megan Mitchell, explained that one focus of the investigation will be to identify ways to improve the monitoring of these incidents. Noting, for instance, that data is currently collected for the entire 15- to 24-year-old age range without further age division, she said: “We’re not breaking down the numbers, and clearly an intervention will be different for a 24-year-old than someone 15…” The data collection system also does not record the cultural backgrounds of young people who kill or harm themselves, though it is known that rates of suicide and self-harm are higher for indigenous youth. In addition to better data, the commission is seeking direct input from young people on the factors that may contribute to suicidal behavior, and on any obstacles youth might face in seeking help. Working with the online counseling service Kids Help Line and the National Youth Mental Health Foundation, the commission will host a series of youth roundtables around the country. The results of the investigation will be presented to the government in November.

Spark Extra! Check out Living is for everyone: A framework for the prevention of suicide and self harm in Australia.