Children’s Rights Report 2014: National Children’s Commissioner

Australia’s National Children’s Commissioner, Megan Mitchell, highlights the need for further research on intentional self-harm, with or without suicidal intent, in children and adolescents. The data and analysis are based on a 2014 survey with 140 responses, data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, and roundtables with experts in intentional self-harm.

Mitchell’s findings show that too much is unknown about intentional self-harm, with or without suicidal intent, in children and adolescents. This is impeding its prediction and prevention. Mitchell makes four suggestions on how Australian authorities can better meet the challenge.