New data released by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) shows a disturbing trend: among children aged eight to 12 years old, the suicide rate has steadily climbed over the last 15 years. As the Washington Post reported, there seems to be no single reason for this increase; rather, it’s a multifaceted problem that will require myriad solutions.

The NIMH data shows a steady increase since 2008

According to the data, there were 2,241 total suicides among preteens aged eight to 12 between 2001 and 2022. From 2001 through 2007, the suicide rate in this population was decreasing; however, since 2008, the suicide rate increased by about 8 percent each year.

Within this demographic, the largest increase came among preteen girls. Boys have always had a higher suicide rate than girls, but a disproportionate increase among girls has narrowed that gap. Between 2001 and 2007, the suicide rate among preteen girls was about 1.25 per 1 million; by 2022, that rate increased to 4.15 suicide deaths per 1 million.

The most common suicide method among preteens is hanging or suffocation, but firearms have played a significant role in the increase and are now the second-leading cause of death.

An ongoing mental health crisis among America’s youth

So what’s changed since 2008? Again, according to experts quoted in the Washington Post article, there are several causes, including the increasing role of technology and social media in preteens’ lives, as well as increasing access to firearms.

In 2008, social media was still relatively new; today, teens and preteens are using social media more than ever. Unfortunately, social media is known to increase suicide risk among young people. One study found a significant link between social media use and suicidal ideation in vulnerable adolescents, citing the rise of “cyberbullying,” exposure to substance abuse via social media, and social media’s role in body image concerns, especially among adolescent girls.

Another key factor in the increase in suicide rates is increased access to firearms. As we’ve discussed before, access to guns can dramatically increase the risk of dying by suicide because guns are much more lethal than other commonly used suicide methods. An access to a gun increases the risk of a suicide attempt, and it greatly increases the probability that an attempt will result in death.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic accelerated the mental health crisis in myriad ways: kids were home from school, watching loved ones get sick and even die, and dealing with a highly disrupted and uncertain future. However, it’s important to note that this is an ongoing mental health crisis that preceded the pandemic and did not improve with the widespread availability of vaccines and return to normalcy.

Parents, teachers, and medical professionals need to do their part to prevent suicide in preteens

In short, America’s preteens need help, and the adults in their lives need to step up and take action to prevent deaths by suicide. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, warning signs of suicide risk in children include:

• Talking about suicide
• Talking about feeling like a burden or having no reason to live
• Depression
• Anxiety or agitation
• Increased substance use
• Withdrawal from family, friends, and activities
• Sleeping too much or not enough
• Giving away prized possessions

All adults in the lives of children need to be on alert for changes in behaviors. If adults see these changes, question the child for more information. Ask directly about thoughts about suicide. QPR is the best training for adults to help children. Just like CPR, QPR is an emergency response to someone in crisis and can save lives. QPR is the most widely taught Gatekeeper training in the world. Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone (including children) to help. See qprinstitute.com for more information and courses on how to save those around you from suicidal behavior.

Medical professionals who care for children need to recognize these warning signs, conduct suicide assessments, and refer their patients to the appropriate resources to help prevent suicide. When they fail to do so, lives can be tragically cut short. That’s why a key element of youth suicide prevention is accountability for victims and their families.

If you have lost a child to suicide completion, we can help

The Law Offices of Skip Simpson is dedicated to representing families and holding medical professionals accountable when they don’t protect patients. If you have lost a child to suicide, we would be honored to listen to your story and explain your legal options. Our firm is based in Texas and represents families throughout the United States.