This paper reviews youth mortality by suicide in Australia in comparison with other industrialized countries around the mid-1990s. It focuses on fatal suicides in Australia & records changes in suicide mortality levels & patterns since the 1950s. The discussion concentrates on the presumed causes of what is often considered a recent epidemic of self-destruction among young Australian males: drug & alcohol abuse, unemployment. An attempt is made to estimate the global extent of suicidal behaviours. In conclusion, some prevention strategies are reviewed. (31 refs.)