New Zealand has the highest child suicide rate of 36 wealthy countries, according to UNICEF’s Innocenti Report Card 19.
The report also ranked New Zealand last for child and youth mental health and 32nd overall for child wellbeing.
The suicide rate among New Zealand children is nearly three times the OECD and EU average. The country also ranked second for bullying rates among children.
Chief Children’s Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad said the data shows a need for urgent improvements in mental health and bullying prevention. She called for more investment in safe housing, nutrition, and healthcare access for children.
Hauora Aotearoa CEO Jase Te Patu said the trend has been consistent since 2010 and called for increased support for small, community-based mental health services that are struggling to stay afloat.
UNICEF Aotearoa’s Tania Sawicki Mead said the wellbeing of children is shaped by basic needs like housing, food, and community connection. She noted that the COVID pandemic restrictions increased disconnection for vulnerable children.
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