Child suicide rate increase prompts fears of mental health crisis

A marked increase in the number of children dying by suicide has prompted campaigners to call for urgent action to address a “crisis” in young people’s mental health support. The figures released by the Office for National Statistics show that in 2018 there were 188 suicides among 10- to 19-year-olds compared with 165 in 2017, a rise of 13.9 per cent. The rise looks set to continue this year, according to latest provisional figures. From January to March and April to June this year the number of 15- to 19-year-olds who took their own life increased from 37 to 56, bringing the total to 93 this year so far. In addition, the number of 10- to 14-year-olds who died by suicide over the same period increased from one to four. Boys continue to be the higher risk group. From April to June this year 39 boys aged between 15 and 19 took their own life, compared with 17 girls. Read more.