New research from the Australian Institute of Family Studies has revealed that 1 in 3 young people aged 14-19 experienced suicidal thoughts or behaviours in the past year.* Many of these young people are navigating complex challenges - family stress, bullying, disability, financial pressure, or mental ill-health - that can make life feel overwhelming.

This is a stark reminder that suicidal distress can emerge suddenly and without warning. While crisis services play a vital role, we cannot rely on crisis responses alone. Prevention and early intervention are essential if we are to change the reality for young people in Australia.

For over 15 years, suicide has remained the leading cause of death for young Australians. We cannot accept this as the norm. Prevention is not just important - it’s lifesaving. Schools, universities, and digital spaces are critical touchpoints where we can reach young people before a crisis, giving them the skills, support, and hope they need.

At batyr, we believe storytelling sits at the heart of suicide prevention. When young people hear from peers who have navigated mental ill-health or suicidal distress, stigma breaks down, conversations open up and hope feels possible. 

Young people’s stories humanise policy, bring light to blind spots, and offer insights that statistics and data alone can’t.  We are proud to represent the stories of young people and continue to advocate for solutions that actively listen to and involve the experiences of young people.

Since 2011, we’ve trained more than 1,360 young people to safely share their stories, delivered over 4,000 programs, and reached more than 463,000 young Australians. After hearing a lived experience story in a batyr program, 4 in 5 students say it encouraged them to seek support. These are not just statistics - they represent moments of courage, connection, and lives steered toward hope.

“You gave me the courage to finally seek support for my own struggles.” – Year 10 student

“I will ask for help more often and ask others how they are.” – Year 9 student

“I'll be more open about my mental health problems and not be scared to share.” - Year 10 student

Prevention goes beyond avoiding mental ill-health; it’s about taking proactive steps to nurture resilience, foster healthy coping skills, and create supportive environments where young people can thrive. Mental ill-health is inevitable - we will likely never live in a world completely free from it - but we can work to lessen its impact, equip young people with the tools to manage challenges, and build a solid foundation for positive mental health outcomes.

On this World Suicide Prevention Day, we reaffirm our commitment to prevention and early intervention - by not just listening to, but being led by young voices. Through stories, education, and community, we can equip young Australians with the resilience, knowledge, and support to navigate life’s challenges, and create a future where every young person feels seen, heard, and valued.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis and is in immediate danger of harming themselves or others, call 000. You can find a comprehensive list of mental health support services here.

*Source: Growing Up in Australia, Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS). August 2025.