Summary: A National Institutes of Health analysis finds that suicide rates among preteens (ages 8–12) have risen by about 8% per year since 2008. The largest increases were observed among female preteens and among American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian/Pacific Islander, and Hispanic children. While overall counts remain smaller than those for adolescents and adults, the upward trend and changing patterns of method demand urgent, culturally responsive prevention and safety strategies.
This study highlights key prevention priorities: routine age-appropriate screening for suicide risk, targeted mental health support in schools and communities, and lethal means safety counseling tailored to diverse cultural and regional contexts. The analysis also found that hanging and suffocation are the most common methods among preteens, while firearm-related suicides in this age group are increasing fastest—underscoring the need for focused interventions to reduce access to lethal means.
Key Facts:
- Preteen suicide rates have increased by roughly 8% per year since 2008.
- Increases were largest among female preteens and youth who are American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian/Pacific Islander, or Hispanic.
- Hanging and suffocation are currently the most common methods; firearm-related suicides are increasing most rapidly.
Source: NIH analysis of CDC data
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health examined national data to characterize trends in suicide deaths for U.S. youth ages 8–12. Using mortality records and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s public injury statistics system for the years 2001–2022, the team calculated overall suicide rates and evaluated differences by sex, race and ethnicity, method, metro versus non‑metro residence, and geographic region.
Although the absolute number of preteen suicides is lower than that for older age groups, an 8% annual increase over many years represents a meaningful public health signal. The study found particularly pronounced rate increases among female preteens, and among American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian/Pacific Islander, and Hispanic children. Separately, Black preteens had a higher overall suicide rate in the examined period, while Hispanic preteens experienced the largest percentage increase.
Method-specific findings are notable for prevention planning: hanging and suffocation remain the most common methods among preteens, but firearm-related suicides are rising more rapidly than other methods. These patterns point to opportunities for lethal means safety counseling—working with caregivers and communities to reduce access to potentially deadly items in the home and other settings—and for policy and program approaches that account for regional and cultural differences.
The analysis was led by Donna A. Ruch in collaboration with colleagues at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. The full study is published in the journal JAMA Network Open.
What this means for families, schools, and clinicians: routine, developmentally appropriate screening for mental health and suicide risk in pediatric care and school settings can help identify children who need early support. Prevention efforts should be culturally informed and community-specific, engaging trusted local institutions and adapting messaging to diverse families. Training for pediatricians, school staff, and community leaders on how to recognize warning signs, respond safely, and counsel caregivers on restricting access to lethal means can reduce risk.
Communities and policymakers can also support prevention by expanding access to evidence-based mental health services for children, increasing funding for school-based mental health programs, and promoting safe storage policies for firearms and other lethal items. Continued research into the causes and contextual factors behind rising preteen suicide rates—especially for groups experiencing the largest increases—will help inform effective prevention strategies.
Note:
If you or someone you know is suicidal or in emotional crisis, call or text 988 or use the 988 Lifeline’s chat service to reach confidential 24-hour support. Immediate help is available for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or severe emotional distress.
About this mental health and suicide research news
Author: Claire Cole
Source: NIH
Contact: Claire Cole – NIH
Image credit: Neuroscience News
Original Research: Findings published in JAMA Network Open