American Preteen Suicide Rates Increased More Than 8 Percent Annually Since 2008: Study

Suicide rates significantly increased by 8.2 percent annually from 2008 to 2022, the study found. File photo/Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Suicide rates among American preteens have surged in recent years, with the greatest increase observed among girls, according to a peer-reviewed study published on July 30.

The study, published in the JAMA Network Open, investigated preteen (ages 8 to 12) suicide deaths during the period from 2001 to 2022. A total of 2,241 such deaths were identified.

Researchers found that suicide rates among preteens declined between 2001 and 2007, only to increase “significantly” by 8.2 percent annually beginning in 2008.

Before 2008, suicide was the 11th-leading cause of death among female preteens. After 2008, suicide rates increased to become the fifth-leading cause of death for girls.

No such changes were observed among male preteens, with suicides remaining the fifth-leading cause of death during the entire period.

Black preteens were found to have the highest suicide rate, but the highest percentage increase in suicides was among Hispanic preteens.

“These findings highlight a need to better understand suicide risk among racial and ethnic subgroups,” the researchers said.

“This study provides a foundation for future research to explore unique factors associated with preteen suicide.”

The researchers called for “culturally informed and developmentally appropriate prevention efforts” focused on preteen suicides.

They noted that the study was limited by the potential misclassification of suicides as other causes of death.

Public Health Crisis

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) calls suicidal behavior among youths and young adults a “major public health crisis,” pointing out that it is the second-leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10 and 24.

Risk factors for suicide can include previous attempts, social isolation, substance use, and mental health conditions such as depression. Relationship factors such as bullying, adverse childhood experiences, and family conflicts also contribute to suicidal behavior.

Young people who face barriers to health care or seeking mental health services, possibly because of a stigma, may be more susceptible to suicidal tendencies.

“Most youth who die by suicide show some warning signs and behavior changes,” AAP states. This includes talking about killing oneself, feeling as if there is no reason to live, feeling like a burden, feeling hopeless, and mood changes such as depression and anxiety.

Other indicators of suicidal tendency include increased substance use, isolation from family and friends, withdrawal from activities, and giving away prized possessions.

“It is important to note that not all youth who are at risk of suicide will show these warning signs, and not all youth who exhibit these behaviors are at risk for suicide,” the group warned.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists some strategies to prevent suicide.

Stronger economic support such as improved household financial security and healthy social connections such as engaging with community members in shared activities can minimize the risk of suicide, it said.

The agency called for mental health conditions to be covered by health insurance policies and to boost care facilities in underserved areas.

Getting Help

The CDC encouraged people to call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if they experience mental health stress or know about a loved one undergoing such situations.

Calling 988 puts the caller in contact with a trained crisis counselor. The service is free and confidential. Alternatively, people can chat with experts at 988lifeline.org.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said the federal government has been working to improve suicide prevention efforts. In April, the administration introduced a new National Strategy for Suicide Prevention (National Strategy) and a Federal Action Plan.

“The 10-year national strategy focuses on community-based suicide prevention; crisis response and treatment, surveillance, research, and quality control; and health equity in suicide prevention,” an HHS spokesperson told The Epoch Times on Aug. 1.

Two researchers involved with the July 30 study reported conflicts of interest. One researcher received grants from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the National Institute of Mental Health, and other sources. The other researcher served as a member of the Scientific Advisory Board at Clarigent Health and received additional grants.

Funding for the study was provided by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and the National Institutes for Health through its various agencies. Funders had no role in conducting the study, the paper said.