Buenos Aires opposition proposes adolescent suicide prevention plan

Opposition members in the Buenos Aires Legislature have introduced several proposals to address rising adolescent suicide rates in Argentina. According to Ministry of Health data, suicide has become a leading cause of death for individuals aged 15 to 24 since 2022, and in 2024, it became the primary cause of death for those aged 25 to 34, surpassing traffic accidents.

In the City of Buenos Aires, data from the National Criminal Information System indicates that nearly 30% of adults experience moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety and depression. This figure rises to 40.9% in single-parent households and is significantly higher in the southern communes compared to northern neighborhoods.

The Fuerza por Buenos Aires (FxBA) bloc is promoting a project to amend Law 6106. This initiative seeks to establish a mandatory Training Plan in Prevention, Care, and Postvention of Suicidal Behavior for populations aged 10 to 24. The training would be required for staff across the three branches of city government, educators, healthcare professionals, judicial and security personnel, and members of social, community, and religious organizations working with adolescents.