Girls’ suicide rate among ages 10 to 14 soars, study finds
The difference in suicide rates between boys and girls ages 10 to 14 in the United States nearly disappeared by 2024, with the rate among boys only 4% higher than the rate among girls, according to a new study.
Researchers analyzed federal data from 2001 through 2024, focusing primarily on trends since 2017. The study was published in JAMA Pediatrics.
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By the numbers:
In 2017, boys ages 10 to 14 had nearly twice the suicide rate of girls. By 2024, the rates were nearly equal.
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The shift was largely driven by a decline in the suicide rate among boys and an increase among girls. Between 2018 and 2024, the rate for boys fell by 35%, while the rate for girls rose by 13%.
Over a longer period, the rate among girls more than quadrupled, increasing from 0.51 suicides per 100,000 girls in 2007 to 2.28 in 2024. The rate among boys nearly doubled during that time, rising from 1.20 to 2.38 per 100,000 boys.
Big picture view:
Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for children ages 10 to 14 in the United States. The overall suicide rate for this age group increased significantly between 2007 and 2021.
The narrowing gap appeared among Black, Hispanic and White children. In 2024, the suicide rate for Black girls slightly exceeded the rate for Black boys.
Researchers also found that girls in urban and suburban areas had a higher suicide rate than boys in 2024. The trend was less clear in rural areas.
What's next:
The study did not determine why the rates changed. Researchers said future studies should examine which risk factors may have declined among boys while increasing or remaining steady among girls, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic.
What you can do:
The findings suggest suicide prevention efforts for young adolescents should address risk factors affecting both boys and girls, researchers said.
If you or a loved one is feeling distressed, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Line for free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
CLICK HERE for the warning signs and risk factors of suicide and CLICK HERE for more on the 988 Lifeline.
The Source: The information in this story came from a study published in JAMA Pediatrics that analyzed suicide-rate data from the CDC’s Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System, covering U.S. boys and girls ages 10 to 14 from 2001 through 2024. This story was reported from Los Angeles.