Probable suicides

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

In 2022, 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 increased with age: 11% of deaths among 10-14 year olds, 26% among 15-19 year olds, and 31% among 20-24 year olds.  

In the period 2011 to 2020, 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 year and over (18 deaths per 100,000 people). However, there has been fluctuation throughout this period. The suicide rate among 5–24-year-olds decreased from eight in 2011 to a low of four in 2015, then increased to 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 (9 per 100,000) than among 20–24-year-olds (15 per 100,000).

The most used method among 5–24-year-olds was hanging, strangulation, and suffocation, which contributed to 64% of deaths. This was higher compared to the 25 years + population (46% of deaths).

Probable suicides among 5–24-year-olds were less likely to occur within the home or a residential institution compared to people aged 25 years+, and 5-24 year-olds were significantly less likely to have had contact with a healthcare service in the period before their death, compared to the 25 years+ group.

Notes 

This page was updated in May 2022. 

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