Schools
Rising Preteen Suicide Rates Prompt Concern Across America
Editor’s note: If you or someone you know needs help, call or text 988, the U.S. suicide and crisis lifeline, or access online chat at 988lifeline.org. For months, Marie’s 11-year-old daughter wasn’t acting like herself. The fifth grader was often…
Key points
- Preteen suicide rates have reached alarming levels, with 194 cases reported in 2025.
- Experts urge for earlier mental health screenings and open conversations about suicide.
- COVID-19 and isolation are significant factors contributing to the mental health crisis among preteens.
NewsWK — Recent trends indicate a troubling rise in the suicide rates among preteens in the United States, prompting serious concern from mental health professionals. According to preliminary data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of preteens aged 8 to 12 who died by suicide reached 194 in 2025, marking the highest figure since at least 2001. This represents an average annual increase of 8.2% since 2008.
Experts attribute various stressors contributing to this crisis, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, social media usage, bullying, and sleep deprivation. Dr. Prachi “PJ” Striker, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, noted that children today are feeling increasingly isolated and unsupported. “Kids are feeling unsupported. They have more alone time. They’re more isolated,” she stated.
Marie, a concerned mother from Chicago, shared her experience with her 11-year-old daughter, who exhibited signs of distress, including self-harm. After struggling to find appropriate psychiatric care, Marie was relieved to secure the necessary help for her daughter. “We were able to get her the help that she needed,” Marie reflected, although she acknowledged that many children in similar situations do not receive timely intervention.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has recognized the importance of mental health screenings, recommending that pediatricians begin assessing children for suicidal thoughts starting at age 12. However, some professionals advocate for earlier assessments, particularly for children as young as 8, to identify those at risk sooner.
Experts highlight the lasting effects of the pandemic on this age group, as many spent crucial early schooling years in isolation, leading to difficulties in socialization as they progressed to higher grades. Furthermore, disparities in mental health outcomes have been noted, with Black and Native American preteens experiencing particularly high rates of suicide.
As these issues gain attention, parents, educators, and community leaders are encouraged to engage in open discussions about mental health with children, breaking the stigma surrounding such conversations. Mental health organizations provide resources, including the toolkit “Talk Saves Lives,” to aid in these vital discussions.
Based on reporting by Nada Hassanein originally published by Stateline. Read the original story.
