Youth Suicide and Gender in Australia and New Zealand Compared With Countries of the Western World 1973-1987

Based upon standardised mortality figures, between 1973-1987, Australian & New Zealand male suicides increased. Female statistics revealed a fall in Australia but an increase in New Zealand. In both countries, the rate of youth (15-24 years) suicide increased among males & females. A comparison of youth suicide in the western world revealed that Australia & New Zealand were unique as they were the only countries in which male & female youth suicide levels were higher than their average rates.