Suicide rates among children and young adults in England tend to rise during the summer examination period, according to new analysis from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The study reveals that rates are at their lowest during the start of the academic year in late autumn.
The research identified distinct gender differences in timing, with suicide rates peaking in early May for females but not reaching their highest point until early July for males. These findings represent the first comprehensive analysis of suicide deaths among young people across the academic calendar.
Study reveals exam period patterns
The ONS examined 4,315 suicide deaths among people aged 15 to 25 in England between 2011/12 and 2021/22. Researchers divided each academic year into fortnights, starting from the first Monday of September through to the following August, to identify potential trends.
Analysis showed suicide rates fluctuated throughout the year, decreasing slightly during early autumn term fortnights before generally increasing during periods coinciding with summer exam preparation and sitting. The highest rate recorded was 0.78 deaths per 100,000 people in the 23rd fortnight, typically just before summer holidays begin.
The lowest rate occurred in the seventh fortnight of the academic year, during late November and early December, at 0.56 per 100,000 people. This period marks the start of the academic year when students are settling into their studies.
Gender differences in timing
Female suicide rates peaked significantly earlier than males, reaching their highest point of 0.53 per 100,000 people in early May. This rate was notably higher than the female rate in early July, which dropped to 0.29 per 100,000 people.
Male suicide rates showed a different pattern, ranging from a peak of 1.26 per 100,000 in early July to a low of 0.85 per 100,000 in late November. The consistently higher rates among males align with broader population trends, the ONS noted.
The study was based on 11,741,290 children and young people aged 15 to 25 across the research period. Of the 4,315 suicides identified, 3,190 were male and 1,125 were female, with the highest number occurring among those aged 24.
Researchers urge caution
Despite the apparent patterns, the ONS cautioned against drawing definitive conclusions from the data. Researchers noted that low numbers of suicides across the study period and wide confidence intervals around the rates limit the ability to make meaningful interpretations of the academic year variability.
The analysis comes amid recent increases in overall suicide rates among children and young people, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and support during potentially vulnerable periods.
Samaritans provides 24-hour support for people at risk of suicide and can be contacted anonymously on 116 123 or at samaritans.org.
Sources used: "Office for National Statistics" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
