science

The rates of suicide and self-injury in high-income countries – including Australia – increased between 2000 and 2024, according to international researchers. The team reviewed 42 previous studies and found a 3.5% annual increase in health care visits for self-injury, as well as 2.5% annual increase in self-reported self-injury rates. This increase was particularly prevalent in girls, with a 3.6% annual increase in female healthcare visits compared to 1.2% for boys. The researchers say these numbers are pooled estimates of country data, and the effects in individual countries may vary. They add that culture, healthcare systems, and local policies may lead to different rates. The team notes Australia’s social media ban is worth monitoring to understand future effects and whether the policy should be followed elsewhere or reversed here.