Globally, young people (<24 years of age) contribute to about a quarter of the total disease burden of self-harm. However, national strategic plans have been found to have no specific recommendations for managing children and young people suffering from suicidality or preventing youth self-harm. Limited policy attention and allocation of funds can be partially attributed to limited evidence on the economic burden of self-harm. Beyond ethical and health arguments, a high economic burden could persuade policy action. Hence, understanding the global economic burden of youth self-harm including that in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is crucial.