28 Jan 2014

High risks for transgender students

9:47 am on 28 January 2014

New research by the University of Auckland shows transgender high-school students are at high risk of suicide and depression.

The study is based on statistics from a nationwide survey conducted in 2012, of more than 8000 high school students.

The research found 20 percent of the 96 transgender students in the survey had attempted suicide. Nearly half had harmed themselves and showed significant signs of depression.

Dr Terry Ann Clark, who led the research, is calling for specific training for health professionals, teachers and counsellors so they can better meet the needs of transgender students.