The City of Cape Town is strengthening its response to teen mental health and suicide prevention following a concerning rise in suicide attempts and a sharp increase in demand for mental health services across City Health facilities.
City Health data shows a marked rise in children and adolescents accessing mental health services between the 2023/24 and 2024/25 financial years, reflecting both growing need and improved access to screening and care.
In 2024/25, 24 children under the age of 18 were attended to for suicide attempts, up from 18 in the previous financial year. Mental health screening for under-18s increased fivefold from 417 to 2,048 over the same period, while visits for children and adolescents rose from 391 to 520.
Among adults, suicide attempts increased significantly from 50 to 139 cases, reinforcing the link between caregiver wellbeing and child mental health outcomes.
Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham, said each statistic represents a young person and family impacted by mental health challenges.
“Behind every number is a young person who is struggling and a family that is hurting. Teen suicide is not just a health issue — it is a societal issue that demands compassion, vigilance and collective action,” she said.
The City is working closely with schools to strengthen prevention through awareness and early intervention programmes. The initiative focuses on identifying early signs of emotional distress, encouraging help-seeking behaviour among adolescents, reducing stigma around mental health and strengthening referral pathways between schools and health services.
City Health hosted an awareness event at Steenberg High School in Retreat on 18 February, where learners were encouraged to seek support and were equipped with practical tools to manage stress.
The programme aligned with the World Suicide Prevention theme, “Changing the narrative on suicide,” reinforcing that suicide is preventable and that open, empathetic conversations can help reduce stigma and encourage early intervention.
Mental health screening is available across City Health facilities for both children and adults, supported by referral pathways for specialised care and access to psychologists and counselling services.
The City is urging parents, caregivers, educators and communities to remain alert to warning signs of emotional distress, including withdrawal, behavioural changes, mood shifts and expressions of hopelessness.
Officials say early intervention remains critical. Residents experiencing emotional distress or concerned about a young person are encouraged to visit their nearest City Health facility or seek urgent assistance if there is immediate risk.
