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

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 2001–2022. 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 5th 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....