City intensifies action on teen mental health as screenings increase fivefold

19 February 2026

The City of Cape Town is strengthening its response to teen mental health and suicide prevention. This follows a concerning trend in suicide attempts, a significant increase in mental health screening and use of these services across City Health facilities.

Between the 2023/24 and 2024/25 financial years, City Health recorded a marked rise in children and adolescents accessing mental health services — reflecting both a growing need and improved access to screening and care.

City Health data shows:

• 24 children under the age of 18 were attended to for suicide attempts in 2024/25, compared to 18 in the previous financial year
• Mental health screening for under-18s increased fivefold - from 417 in 2023/24 to 2 048 in 2024/25
• Mental health visits for children and adolescents increased from 391 to 520 over the same period
• Among adults, suicide attempts increased significantly from 50 to 139 cases, reinforcing the link between caregiver wellbeing and child mental health

Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham, emphasised that each statistic represents a life and a family impacted.

Strengthening prevention through school-based awareness

The City is working closely with schools to raise awareness about teen mental health and suicide prevention, recognising that prevention begins long before a crisis.

The programme focuses on:

• Identifying early signs of emotional distress and suicidal ideation
• Encouraging help-seeking behaviour among adolescents
• Reducing stigma around mental health
• Strengthening referral pathways between schools and health services

City Health hosted an event at Steenberg High School in Retreat yesterday, Wednesday, 18 February, where learners were encouraged to seek help and were equipped with practical tools to cope with stress.

The programme aligned with the World Suicide Prevention theme, “Changing the narrative on suicide,” highlighting that suicide is preventable and open, empathetic conversations help reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking.

Learners were reminded that feeling overwhelmed or anxious was not a weakness, and support was available.

‘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. Schools are critical spaces for prevention. By working directly with learners and educators, and by placing our psychologists at the forefront of awareness and education, we are empowering young people to speak up and seek help before they reach a point of crisis,’ said Councillor Higham.
 
Access to professional mental health support

Mental health screening is available across City Health facilities for both children and adults, with clear referral pathways for specialised care. The City has capacity that includes access to psychologists and appropriate mental health services, ensuring that young people who require counselling and follow-up support receive timely care.
 
The City urges parents, caregivers, educators, and communities to look out for warning signs of emotional distress, including withdrawal, behavioural changes, mood shifts, or expressions of hopelessness.

Captions: City Health hosted an event at Steenberg High School in Retreat yesterday, Wednesday, 18 February 2026. 
 

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office