Probable suicides

This page provides national data on probable suicides among children and young people aged 5-24 years. Data is not available at Health Board level. 

In 2023, one quarter (26%) of all deaths among 5–24-year-olds in Scotland were probable suicides. In comparison, 1% of all deaths among those aged 25 years and over were probable suicides. The proportion of deaths attributed to suicide among 5–24-year-olds across Scotland is higher in the older age groups: 9% of deaths among 10–14-year-olds, 31% among 15–19-year-olds, and 30% among 20–24-year-olds.

In the period 2013 to 2023, the average probable suicide rate among 5–24-year-olds was seven deaths per 100,000 people. This is considerably lower than the rate of suicide deaths among those aged 25 years and over (17 deaths per 100,000 people). However, there has been fluctuation throughout this period, with the suicide rate among 5–24-year-olds at a low of four in 2015 and a high of nine in 2019. The suicide rate among 25+ age group shows a similar pattern of fluctuation.

The average suicide rate was lower among 15–19-year-olds (8 per 100,000) than among 20–24-year-olds (15 per 100,000).

Notes 

This page was updated in March 2025. 

If you are dealing with suicidal thoughts or thinking about self-harm, it is important to know you are not alone. Help is available when you are feeling low – you do not have to hurt yourself or suffer in silence. If you are in crisis or struggling to cope, please reach out to one of the services listed below: 

In an emergency dial 999. 

NHS 24 Mental Health Hub. For urgent mental health assessment and support 24/7. Dial 111. 

Samaritans Helpline. For anyone feeling low or considering suicide. Dial 116123.

Childline. A service for young people under 19 years struggling with mental health issues or any other problem. Dial 08001111.