The report ranked New Zealand at the bottom for child and youth mental health. It highlighted that New Zealand’s children face significant challenges, such as having the highest suicide rate for children among the 36 OECD and EU countries, nearly three times higher than the average. Additionally, the report revealed that New Zealand has the second-highest rate of bullying among the countries surveyed.
Dr. Claire Achmad, the Chief Children’s Commissioner, emphasized the urgent need for substantial investment in children and young people to support their mental health, including implementing suicide prevention measures and addressing bullying in schools and communities.
Dr. Achmad stressed the importance of prioritizing children in the upcoming Budget 2025 and called for improved data collection on child mortality. She also highlighted the need to tackle childhood poverty, as it has detrimental effects on children’s well-being, affecting access to safe housing, nutritious food, and healthcare services.
The Chief Children’s Commissioner expressed her determination to see all children in New Zealand thrive and fulfill their potential. She underscored that the country must do better for its children, as it is their fundamental right to live in a safe and supportive environment.
For those in need of help, various helplines and support services are available, including Need to Talk, Lifeline, Suicide Crisis Helpline, Depression Helpline, Samaritans, Youthline, What’s Up, Asian Family Services, Rural Support Trust Helpline, Healthline, Rainbow Youth, OUTLine, and emergency services by dialing 111.
