This snapshot discusses suicidal thoughts and behaviours in adolescence. This research highlights that, among young Australians, positive relationships with parents and peers and school connections during adolescence are associated with the reduced likelihood of suicidal thoughts and behaviours during early adulthood.

The findings highlight the importance of strengthening everyday settings (schools) and relationships (parent–young person and peer-to-peer) as core components of suicide prevention policy. Collectively, the evidence supports a cross-portfolio, prevention-focused approach aligned with the National suicide prevention strategy 2025–2035, integrating education, health and family services to reduce risk during the transition from adolescence to young adulthood.

Key findings

• Around 1 in 7 young people in this study aged 18 to 19 years reported having suicidal ideation, plans or attempts.
• A strong sense of school belonging at ages 16 to 17 is associated with a substantially lower likelihood of suicidal thoughts and behaviours at ages 18 to 19.
• School belonging is protective for young people including those in higher risk groups.
• Strong parental trust, communication and involvement at ages 16 to 17 are associated with later lower risk.
• High quality communication with peers is especially protective for young people with prior suicidal history.

The report is provided with supplementary materials.