Misleading figures on New Zealand youth suicide rates

The podcast "The Detail" investigates a UNICEF report that ranked New Zealand as having the worst child mental health and highest youth suicide rates in the developed world. The report's accuracy is questioned by researchers who claim the data is outdated and misleading, potentially creating a harmful narrative. The podcast explores the complexities of collecting and interpreting suicide data, the importance of considering broader well-being indicators, and the need for tailored solutions that address structural determinants like violence and inequality, particularly affecting Māori youth. While UNICEF defends its use of globally comparable data, the podcast highlights the value of local data and the perspectives of frontline organizations like Barnardo's, emphasizing the need for a generational plan focused on prevention and early intervention to improve the well-being of young New Zealanders.