In 1976, suicides in the 15-24 year-old group (N=4,747) made up over 17% of all suicides in all age groups (N=26,750). In 1968, adolescent suicides (N=2,591) were only 12% of the total (N=21,000). Adolescent suicide rate is alarming unless put into perspective with the accident rate and the cultural belief in individual rights, responsibility, and achievement. The rate of adolescent suicides in 1976 was 11.7 per 100,000 15-24 year olds, but the accident rate was 59.9 for the same group (N=23,960). Accident rate ranks first in cause of deaths while suicide rate ranks third, but the difference between first and third is large. One theory about the increase in adolescent suicide is examined in terms of the hopelessness felt by them. They are told by the culture that they have the right and the responsibility to achieve at a time when the means for doing so are diminishing. (Author)