Sociodemographic differences in the risk of suicides in children and young people: a population level linked study in England, 2011 to 2022

BACKGROUND: Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in children and young people (CYP) globally. Over the past decade, there has been a steady increase in the number of suicide deaths in CYP in the UK. This study aims to identify sociodemographic differences in the risk of suicide in CYP. METHODS: Using linked 2011 Census and death registrations data, we created a cohort of 7 747 345 CYP aged 10 to 17 years in England. We estimated adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRRs) using generalised linear models with a Poisson link function, to identify sociodemographic characteristics associated with death by suicide in CYP. RESULTS: The rate of suicide was lowest in females compared with males (IRR=0.6, 95% CI 0.5 to 0.7) and highest in CYP of Mixed or Multiple ethnic groups (IRR=1.5, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.0) compared with those who were White. We also found an increased risk of suicide where the household reference person's (HRPs) highest level of education was a degree-level or above qualification (IRR=1.5, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.9) compared with households where the HRP had no qualifications. CONCLUSION: We found some similar risk factors in CYP as have been found for adults, including being male and from a Mixed or Multiple ethnic group; however, some, which are protective in adults, including employment status and education, increase the risk of suicide in CYP at the household level. Our findings suggest CYP living in households with better educated parents may be a key group at risk of dying by suicide in England.