ABSTRACT
In understanding youth suicide from a global perspective, this chapter explores the history of youth suicide globally, considering cultural, religious, and spiritual perspectives. An overview of the complex multifaceted nature of youth suicide is presented, providing an understanding of the psychological, environmental, social, and cultural risk factors. Youth suicide risk is explored with respect to common global factors, as well as factors isolated to specific countries and cultures. Personal, economic, social, and global impacts are highlighted, along with the significance of the COVID-19 pandemic. Importantly, the chapter focuses on current preventive approaches used globally to address youth suicide. A critical analysis of these current approaches will provide an understanding of what approaches are working, what else is needed, and the future directions of youth suicide prevention. The need for commonly shared global approaches to youth suicide prevention will provide insight into specific factors that need to be considered. The chapter concludes with an encouragement, as individuals and as global citizens, to play a role in saving the next generation.
