Quarter of adolescents surveyed in 2026 Global School-Based Student Health Survey reported attempted suicide

September 2, 2026

A quarter of the adolescents surveyed during the 2026 Global School-Based Student Health Survey reported that they have attempted suicide.

This was disclosed at a press conference this morning by Acting Principal Director of Prevention, Public Education and Treatment at the National Council on Drug Abuse, Uki Atkinson.

The 2026 survey was conducted with 3,058 students, from grades 7 to 12, in 32 secondary schools islandwide, and is representative of the Jamaican adolescent population.

It examined several areas affecting adolescent health, including mental wellness, substance use, bullying, social media use, sleep and other health-related behaviours.

Mrs. Atkinson said three in ten of the students surveyed reported that they had seriously considered suicide and made a plan to commit it.

https://iriefm.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/CUT-ATKINSON-1.mp3

She noted that there is a serious issue with adolescent mental health.

https://iriefm.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/CUT-ATKINSON-2.mp3

Mrs. Atkinson said more female students are reporting suicidal ideation, depression and anxiety.

[cutid: <cuts>

https://iriefm.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/ATKINSON-SEPT-2-2026.mp3