Research and Evaluation

A review of the evidence around suicide, suicide attempts and self-harm in primary school aged children

The most recent data shows us that suicide is the leading cause of death for 15-24 year olds. Other data tells us that many more young people attempt suicide or consider taking their own lives.

This report provides a description, findings and recommendations of a suicide recovery project conducted by headspace following a cluster of suicides in an outer suburban area of Victoria.

Suicide is a significant problem amongst young people and when a school student takes their own life it has serious implications for the school community. To minimise the potential for suicide contagion, and to enable the school community to begin a process of healing, the affected school must respond in a timely and appropriate manner.