An article by Males (see SIEC #911073) generated considerable controversy among its reviewers. Accordingly both author & editor agreed to accompany Males’ paper with this comment by Dr. Kim Smith. Smith argues that Males has simplified what is a very complex issue. Even though there may be some distortion in youth suicide rates, it can be concluded that the increase in youth suicide is not illusory but very real & that this increase is twice that experienced by adults. (0 refs.)