The rates of preteen suicide have been on the rise, according to a new study from National Institutes of Health researchers. The study, published last week in the journal JAMA Network Open, found that preteen suicide rates increased by about 8% annually between 2008 and 2022. That followed a downward trend until 2007.
The overall rate of suicide for preteens, ages 8-12, increased from 3.34 per 1 million between 2001 and 2007 to 5.71 per 1 million between 2008 and 2022.
Girls had a disproportionate increase in suicide rates compared to boys. Black children had the highest overall suicide rate. And Hispanic children had the greatest percentage increase in suicide rate.
Suicide became the fifth-leading cause of death for preteen girls between 2008 and 2022, up from 11th in the previous period. Suicide remained the fifth-leading cause of death for preteen boys. Social isolation increased during the pandemic.
But it was already on the rise, particularly for young people, said Dr. Laura Erickson-Schroth, the chief medical officer at The Jed Foundation (JED), a nonprofit organization focused on youth mental health. Children are feeling uncertain about the future, grappling with news of wars, climate change and discrimination, Erickson-Schroth said.
“Children and teens are also living in a different world today than previous generations,” she said via email. “They live much of their lives online, where they are regularly exposed to political conflict and cultural violence.” Studies show that young people are having trouble finding purpose and meaning, Erickson-Schroth noted.
Access to guns has been a driving force in suicide deaths. For preteens, firearms are the most rapidly increasing suicide method. The surgeon general recently issued an advisory on firearm violence, saying it poses an urgent threat to the health and well-being of our nation.
Last year, Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy also issued advisories focused on an “epidemic” of loneliness and isolation and the potential dangers of social media use for children and teens. While the rate of preteen suicides is on the rise, Erickson-Schroth said JED and other groups are working hard to turn the tide.
The data on preteens show a disproportionate increase in suicide rates for girls and youth of color. “When we consider how to address these disparities, we need to look at each group of young people individually as their needs are varied and the type of support they benefit from is unique,” Erickson-Schroth said. Poverty increases the risk of trauma, she said.
Girls and young women are at higher risk than boys and young men, she said. Having a culturally competent therapist, or a therapist who shares the same identity or background, can make a young person feel more comfortable and connected, Erickson-Schroth added. “For Black preteens, we need to create affirming and safe environments in schools, with strong support systems, spaces to gather, and connections to supportive adults,” she said.
“It’s important to teach accurate history about the role of Black communities in America. We have to train educators and mental health professionals to recognize signs of racial trauma and move from punishment-based approaches to trauma-informed models of care.” JED works with schools to develop and deploy a comprehensive approach to mental health and suicide prevention.
But parents play a critical role in protecting their children. And it starts with talking openly and honestly about emotions, Erickson-Schroth explained. “It’s important for young people to see that everyone – including adults – feels overwhelmed at times,” she said.
“Talking openly about mental health allows for discussions about coping skills and for modeling what it is like to go through a difficult time and take care of yourself.” JED says it’s “OK to say suicide.” People might worry that talking about suicide will make things worse or give someone ideas.
Some research shows the opposite. “Too many teens and young adults struggle in silence with suicidal thoughts,” Erickson-Schroth said. “Being able to talk openly about suicide opens the door for someone to get help.
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