Unlived Lives: Trends in Youth Suicide (IN: Preventing Youth Suicide: Proceedings of a Conference Held 24-26 July 1990, edited by S McKillop)

An analysis of suicide trends shows that among 15-19-year-old Australian males the suicide rate has increased from 7.3/100,000 population in 1968 to 17/100,000 in 1988. The rate has also increased among 20-24-year-olds & adolescent females in the same period. In this paper, important sociological factors affecting recent trends in youth suicide in Australia were highlighted including: unemployment, community concerns, family organization, & educational attainment. Other factors in suicidal behaviours such as violence & mental health are also discussed. The extension of citizenship rights, e.g. civil, economic, welfare & legal rights, to young people & the repercussions of this upon youth suicide is examined. (27 refs.)