Preteen Suicide Rates Surge, Highlighting Urgent Need for Intervention

New data reveals an 8% annual increase in suicides among children aged 8 to 12, with the sharpest rise among girls and minority groups.

Suicide rates among preteens have increased by 8% annually since 2008.
Girls and minority groups, including American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian, Pacific Islander, and Hispanic preteens, show the highest increases.
Hanging and suffocation are the most common methods, but firearm use is rising rapidly.
Black preteens have the highest overall suicide rate.
Experts call for culturally responsive prevention efforts and universal screening for suicide risk in children as young as 10.