The number of suicides among young people under 30 has risen sharply in the Netherlands, according to newly released figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS) and the Commissie Actuele Nederlandse Suïcideregistratie (CANS).
Data show that 290 teenagers and people in their twenties died by suicide in 2025, up from 212 the previous year. The increase comes even as the overall number of suicides nationwide fell slightly to 1,785 — the first time since 2012 that the total dropped below 1,800.
Experts note that the scale of the youth toll is stark. On average, the number of suicides among teenagers and young adults last year was equivalent to losing an entire school class every month.
According to Renske Gilissen, an endowed professor of suicide prevention, population growth among young people does not explain the rise. “It fluctuates, but over the years you see the number of suicides increasing,” she told NOS. “We often hear that young people are not doing well mentally, but this is truly the worst outcome.”
While men continue to account for most suicide deaths overall, researchers say the recent increase among young people is particularly pronounced among young women. Gilissen noted that cases of self-harm among women are also rising.
In response, the 113 Fonds has launched a nationwide awareness campaign titled Lessons for Life, aimed at encouraging open conversations about mental health among young people. The organization has also conducted extensive interviews with bereaved families in an effort to identify warning signs and underlying factors.
Those interviews suggest that many young people who died by suicide had dropped out of school early. Among young women, many were already receiving some form of care and, in some cases, had previously attempted self-harm. Among young men, however, the deaths often came as a shock to relatives and friends. Researchers also identified links to challenges such as autism and substance addiction in some cases.
Clinical psychologist Maryke Geerdink emphasized the importance of listening when concerns are raised. She said acknowledging and discussing suicidal thoughts even when uncomfortable can be a critical step in prevention, urging people to focus on what support is needed in the moment.
The figures have renewed calls from health professionals and advocacy groups for sustained investment in youth mental health services, early intervention in schools, and broader public awareness as the country grapples with a troubling trend among its younger generations.
