Male Students in England and Wales More Likely to Commit Suicide

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) in England reported today that suicide rates have only risen slightly in England and Wales, but the issue remains an important topic among university officials, especially in light of  10 student deaths at the University of Bristol in little over 18 months.

According to the Guardian, “Sarah Caul, an ONS senior researcher, said: “Today’s analysis will help to develop policies and initiatives for those at greatest risk of suicide. The rate of suicide in 2016-17 in higher education students was 4.7 deaths per 100,000 students. Although higher than in earlier years, the comparatively low numbers of suicides per year make it challenging to identify significant differences. Meanwhile, the rate for suicide in female students is significantly lower than the rate in males.”

A total of 95 students committed suicide between July 2016-2017, the most recent data available.

Meanwhile, the Associated Press found that only 46 of the 100 largest public universities in the US track student suicides. The figure is considered alarming in light of the growing focus on mental health on college campuses.

According to data from the National Institutes of Health, 5,723 people between the ages of 15-24 committed suicide in the US in 2016, the most recent data they have made public.