This research project aims to develop new screening tools that can quickly and effectively identify young people experiencing distress, suicidal thoughts, and suicidal behaviours.

To make these tools, we are inviting young people aged 14 to 17 years old and living in Australia to participate in a short online survey. The survey includes questions about distress, suicide risk, and wellbeing. The questions in the survey are designed for people from an English-speaking background. They are also based on Western ideas about mental health and suicide. People from different backgrounds are welcome to participate if they choose to. The survey answers will help us to find the best questions to use when we ask young people about these topics.

We are looking for participants who:

· Are aged between 14 and 17 years old

· Are living in Australia

· Are not currently experiencing a high level of stress or emotional distress

· Do not currently have a diagnosis of a serious mental illness (that is, a mental illness that makes it very difficult to do important daily activities, like looking after yourself, or going to school or work)

If you are interested in participating, or a young person you care for might be, please download the participant information sheet by clicking the link below. If you choose to participate, please fill out the participant consent form, scan it or take a picture, and email it to the research team. The form needs to be signed by the young person participating and their parent or guardian.

Information sheet and consent form: download PDF

If you have any questions about the study, you can contact the research team via email: screeningstudy.rsph@anu.edu.au

Please note, this survey is part of a research project. Participants will not receive their personal survey scores and the research team is unable to offer you clinical services.

If you are currently feeling upset, distressed, or in need of support, there are services to help you. Please talk to a trusted adult (e.g., parent, guardian, teacher), your school psychologist, General Practitioner (GP), or contact one of the services below:

Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 (24 hours), www.lifeline.org.au

Kids Helpline (for people aged 25 and under): 1800 55 1800 (24 Hours), https://kidshelpline.com.au/

Suicide call-back service: 1300 659 467 (24 hours), www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 (24 hours), www.beyondblue.org.au

SANE: 1800 187 263 (9-5), www.sane.org Headspace: http://www.headspace.org.au/

The ethical aspects of this research have been approved by the ANU Human Research Ethics Committee (protocol 2019/897).