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Rise in US preteen suicide rate alarms mental health experts
Federal data show 194 preteen suicides in 2025, and researchers said the rate has climbed 8.2% a year since 2008.
- Preliminary data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows 194 preteen deaths by suicide in 2025, the highest total since at least 2001. The suicide rate for this age group has increased by an average of 8.2% annually since 2008.
- Mental health experts point to COVID-19 as a major factor harming preteens now aged 10 to 12, whose early elementary years were spent quarantined at home without normal school socialization. Dr. Prachi 'PJ' Striker, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, notes these lost developmental experiences compound current struggles.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends screening all patients starting at age 12 for suicidal thoughts. Lisa Horowitz, a researcher at the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine, argues screening as early as age 8 can prevent kids from slipping under the radar and help prevent psychiatric disorders.
- Families often struggle to access psychiatric care, as many facilities lack capacity for younger children and refuse cases based on insurance. The U.S. suicide and crisis lifeline, 988, offers immediate support through phone, text, and online chat for those in crisis.
- Persistent stressors including social media use, bullying, lack of sleep, and policies restricting gender-affirming care continue to affect preteen mental health. Jeremy Pettit, a psychology professor at Florida International University specializing in child suicide risk, emphasizes that early school start times compound these challenges.
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13 Articles
13 Articles
Coverage Details
Total News Sources13
Leaning Left11Leaning Right0Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution92% Left
Bias Distribution
- 92% of the sources lean Left
92% Left
L 92%
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