Abstract
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among adolescents worldwide, with enormous societal impact in terms of years of life lost and economic consequences. Despite significant investment in suicide prevention, international rates of STB in youth are not improving and are getting worse in recent years in many countries, particularly in the United States. Adolescence is a high-risk period for the first onset of suicidal behaviour, with initial occurrence during this developmental stage often linked to recurrent suicidal thoughts and behaviours (STB) throughout the lifespan. Timely interventions at critical periods, when adolescents are at risk of first onset of STB, can reduce suicide rates and enhance mental health trajectories.