The authors compared adolescent mortality due to external causes in two 5-year periods (1986-1990 & 1996-2000) in Hong Kong. Leading external causes of death were traffic accidents & suicide. The mortality rate in this age group is comparatively low & has decreased significantly over time. Suicide deaths are, however, on the increase. It is suggested that monitoring the change in trends would be useful in setting public health priorities. (11 refs.)