Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people aged 10–24, resulting in thousands of deaths each year. As recently as 2021:
- 22% of high school students seriously considered suicide.
- 18% of high school students made a suicide plan.
- 10% of high school students attempted suicide.
- 3% of high school students were injured by a suicide attempt.
Source: CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey
Teen suicide facts can help parents understand this issue. We’ve gathered the most recent data on the topic to better equip parents to support their struggling teens.
Trends in Teen Suicide
Teen suicides have risen steadily over time. Between 2007 and 2021, the rate of suicide among young people aged 10 to 24 increased by 62%. Some researchers identified that youth suicide increased during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, potentially related to the change in social support many teens faced during this time. Since 2020, overall suicide rates have continued to increase, which places many teens at risk.
Demographic Breakdown of Teen Suicide Rates
Suicide in youth statistics vary by demographic, including gender, race and ethnicity, and sexuality. While white men generally have the highest suicide rates among adults, teens with marginalized identities tend to have the highest rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among their age group. When measuring suicide-related behaviors such as consideration, plans, and attempts in teens:
- Girls have higher rates than boys for all behaviors.
- LGBTQ+ teens have higher rates than heterosexual teens for all behaviors.
- Indigenous American or Alaskan Native teens have higher rates than other races and ethnicities for all behaviors.
- Black girls had the largest increase in suicide rates in 2021.
Risk Factors for Teen Suicide
Mental health disorders, substance use, and previous suicide attempts are some of the most significant suicide risk factors for teens. Over 90% of those who die by suicide have a diagnosed mental health disorder, and alcohol use disorder is the second-most common diagnosis for individuals who die by suicide.
A variety of stressful social situations also represent an increased risk. While these can put pressure on anyone, teens often experience them more intensely. Teens may be at higher risk if they experience:
- Bullying
- Discrimination
- Social isolation
- Loss of relationships
- Violent relationships
Additionally, teens often face more barriers to treatment than other age groups. This makes it vital for parents to recognize warning signs of suicide in their teens. However, the presence of these factors doesn’t necessarily mean that teens will attempt suicide; they are risk indicators that can help identify teens who could benefit from support or intervention.
Teen Suicide Prevention Strategies
Suicide isn’t caused by one single factor, and prevention isn’t simple. Research suggests that one of the best ways to prevent suicide is with early primary intervention methods that curb distress and suicidal ideation before they escalate. Strong relationships and individual resilience can be protective strategies for teens.
Professional intervention at the point of distress can help as well. Suicide screenings in medical settings and reducing untreated depression decrease suicide attempts. For those who previously attempted suicide, therapy has been shown to reduce reattempts by 50% or more. One of the most significant prevention methods is removing access to firearms, which are used in more than 50% of suicides.
Professional Help From Muir Wood
If your teen has exhibited risk factors or displays warning signs of suicide, you should seek professional intervention. Muir Wood’s program for teens treats:
- Underlying mental health issues
- Substance use as a dual-diagnosis with mental health issues
- Suicidal ideation
Contact us today or call us at 866-705-0828 for evaluation and intake. For more information on suicide, explore our other resources on the topic. You can also call, text, or chat with the National Suicide Lifeline by dialing 988.