MEDIA RELEASE | 29 October 2026

Content advice: This release discusses suicide and self-harm, including deaths among children and young people.

Suicide the leading cause of death among Australian children and people aged 15–44: The Sunlight Centre calls for urgent action

Queensland frontline counselling charity calls for greater investment in free counselling, early intervention and practical mental health education following the latest ABS statistics.

New Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures reveal that suicide was the leading cause of death among Australian children aged 5–17 and Australians aged 15–44 in 2025, highlighting the urgent need for earlier mental health intervention and accessible counselling services.

The figures show that 100 children aged 5–17 died by suicide in 2025, accounting for 21.1% of all deaths within this age group, that was an increase of over 40% compared to 2024. Of these, over 80% were aged 14–17, and for the first time since 2012, more female children than male children died by suicide.

The ABS also reports that suicide was the leading cause of death among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls aged 5–17, based on data collected across six Australian jurisdictions between 2021 and 2025.

Nationally, 3,283 deaths by suicide were registered in 2025, including 780 in Queensland. Queensland’s age-adjusted suicide rate was 13.4 deaths per 100,000 people, higher than the national rate of 11.6.

Behind every statistic is a young person, a family and a community affected by profound loss.

Every week, The Sunlight Centre provides free face to face counselling to teenagers and adults experiencing suicidal and self-harm distress, giving the organisation direct insight into the challenges people face when seeking help.

Research commissioned by The Sunlight Centre and undertaken by Griffith University’s Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention (AISRAP) identified significant barriers to accessing mental health support in Greater Brisbane. These included; cost, waiting times and difficulties finding suitable services. Younger survey participants also reported not “understanding what counselling would be like” as a barrier.

Ken Loftus, CEO and Clinical Director of The Sunlight Centre, said the latest findings highlight the importance of preparing young people and communities with practical mental health skills.

“We hear how important it is to have conversations about mental health. But what skills are available for when someone is not OK and the topic of self-harm comes up? Recognising distress, listening effectively and responding appropriately are practical skills that can be taught,” Mr Loftus said.

“Young people need opportunities to develop practical skills to raise self-awareness, and understand and have tools to regulate their emotions. And most importantly to recognise when they need help. Mental health education can provide these skills, while accessible professional counselling ensures support is available when difficulties arise.”

Supporting evidence and earlier intervention

The ABS data also shows increasing suicide rates among young females. Among females aged 15–19, the rate increased from 4.0 to 6.3 deaths per 100,000 between 2024 and 2025.

Among children aged 5–17 who died by suicide, recorded risk factors included education-related problems (29%), suicidal thoughts (28%), difficulties with family and friendships (28%), previous self-harm (25%) and social difficulties, including bullying or exclusion (25%).

The Sunlight Centre advocates for greater investment in age-appropriate mental health education that develops self-awareness, emotional regulation, communication and help-seeking skills. Practical training for parents, teachers, youth workers and community members can also improve their ability to recognise and respond to distress.

Alongside counselling for people experiencing suicidal distress, the Sunlight Centre specialises in supporting people experiencing non-suicidal self-harm, providing therapeutic intervention for individuals who may be struggling with significant distress without suicidal intent.

Call to action

The Sunlight Centre is urging governments, schools, employers and community organisations to invest in both free, accessible counselling and practical mental health education and response skills, allowing concerns to be recognised earlier and appropriate support to be provided sooner.

Funding for mental health initiatives can pass through several organisational layers before reaching frontline service providers. The Sunlight Centre advocates for targeted investment in established community-based organisations that are already delivering counselling, education and early intervention services

“The latest figures demand more than expressions of concern. Earlier recognition, skilled intervention and accessible counselling need to become priorities across Brisbane, Queensland and Australia,” Mr Loftus said.

“Grassroots organisations are already delivering these services. With increased and targeted funding, charities like The Sunlight Centre can expand their reach, strengthen their programs and support more people.”

Key statistics — ABS 2025

• Children aged 5–17: Suicide was the leading cause of death, accounting for 100 deaths (21.1% of all deaths in this age group), compared with 70 in 2024.
• Australians aged 15–44: Suicide was the leading cause of death in 2025.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls aged 5–17: Suicide was the leading cause of death across NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory for the combined period 2021–2025.
• Young females: For the first time since 2012, more female children (53) than male children (47) aged 5–17 died by suicide.
• Queensland: 780 registered deaths by suicide, with an age-adjusted rate of 13.4 per 100,000, compared with the Australian rate of 11.6.
• Nationally: 3,283 deaths by suicide were registered in 2025.

ABS figures for 2025 are preliminary and may change following coronial investigations. Recorded risk factors do not necessarily establish causes of death.

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Intentional self-harm (suicide) deaths, 2025, released 27 October 2026.

https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/causes-death/intentional-self-harm-suicide-deaths/2025

Support information

If you or someone you know is experiencing distress, support is available.

• The Sunlight Centre (South East Queensland): 1300 259 724 — free counselling enquiries.
• Lifeline: 13 11 14 — 24-hour crisis support.
• Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 — 24-hour support for ages 5–25.
• Emergency: Call 000 if someone is in immediate danger.

Responsible reporting guidance: https://mindframe.org.au

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Media enquiries

Ken Loftus
CEO & Clinical Director
The Sunlight Centre

Phone: 1300 259 724

Direct: 0428 228 462
Email: ken@sunlightcentre.com.au
Website: www.sunlightcentre.com.au

About The Sunlight Centre

Established in 2017, The Sunlight Centre is an independent, grassroots mental health charity based in Morningside, Brisbane.

The Centre specialises in free, face-to-face counselling for teenagers and adults experiencing suicidal and self-harm distress, including non-suicidal self-harm.

Drawing on its extensive frontline clinical experience and specialist Sunlight Insight Therapy Model, the Centre also provides mental health education, professional development and practical communication training for schools, workplaces, support organisations and communities.

The Sunlight Centre works to reduce barriers to professional counselling while strengthening the knowledge and skills of individuals and communities responding to psychological distress.