Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics and risk factors of a sample of young Tunisian suicide attempters. Methods It is a retrospective descriptive study. Fifty-seven patients aged 6–19 years, all inpatients and outpatients of the department of child psychiatry of Razi Hospital, in Tunis, who attempted suicide in the period from January 2005 through December 2008, were included. Psychiatric diagnosis was assessed with a semi-structured interview, the K-SADS-PL based on DSM IV criteria. Family and personal history, personal and environmental risk factors, as well as severity of the attempt were evaluated. Results There were 43 girls and 14 boys. Mean age at first suicidal attempt was 13.3 years. Soft methods were used in 64.9% of cases. Personal history of suicidal attempt was found in 15.8% in the sample. All these data are in accordance with the literature. Environmental risk factors were present in 70.2% of cases, and family problem were the most frequent ones (15.8%). School failure was not found to be associated with suicide. Thirty-eight percent of the suicide attempters had no psychiatric disorder, and 41% were diagnosed as having a depressive disorder. The presence of a psychiatric disorder aggravates the prognosis; depressive disorders are particularly related to a high risk of repetition. Intentional injuries, substance and alcohol abuse, and run away were noted in 19.3% of cases, which is less than in occidental populations.