Suicide is rare under 14 yrs. but thereafter increases with increasing age, with males predominating. The suicide rate for 15-19 yr. olds in England and Wales has increased since the 50’s for both sexes, with a substantial rise in males. There has also been an increase in the small number of female suicides aged 10-14 yrs. between 1941-50 & 1971-80. In younger age groups there is a higher proportion of undetermined deaths compared with officially recorded suicides.