Preteen Suicide Surge
US Preteen Suicide Rates Climb, Experts Call for Tailored Mental Health Support
The suicide rate among U.S. preteens is climbing at an alarming pace, reaching its highest recorded total in 2025. That year, 194 children under 13 died by suicide — the most since at least 2001, according to CDC data. Since 2008, the rate has risen by an average of 8.2% per year, according to researchers at the National Institutes of Health, as reported by Twin Cities.
While the total number of deaths remains relatively small, mental health experts say the steady rise is a serious warning sign. Black preteens have the highest overall suicide rate. Girls and Hispanic preteens have seen the sharpest percentage increases, according to OC Register.
Black and Hispanic Preteens Face the Sharpest Risks
The data reveal a troubling racial divide. Black preteens have the highest overall suicide rate among all groups. Hispanic preteens and girls have experienced the greatest percentage increase over time, according to San Diego Union-Tribune. Experts say these groups face unique stressors, including racism, poverty, and limited access to mental health care.
Native American and LGBTQ+ preteens are also at elevated risk. Mental health advocates are calling for tailored interventions designed specifically for these communities, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, according to Boston Herald.
Experts Push for Earlier Screenings and More Check-Ins
Mental health professionals say the current system is not catching warning signs early enough. They are calling for more regular mental health check-ins with children under 13, along with earlier screenings for depression and suicidal thoughts, according to Press Democrat.
The American Academy of Pediatrics is urging doctors to see more young patients who have attempted suicide or have thought about it. The goal is to intervene before a crisis happens. Experts say catching these signs early can save lives, according to Morning Journal.
What Is Driving the Rise in Preteen Suicides
Researchers have not pinpointed a single cause. But experts point to several factors: increased social media use, academic pressure, bullying, and the lasting mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Social isolation hit young children especially hard, according to Greeley Tribune.
The NIH-linked researchers note that the trend began well before the pandemic — rising steadily since 2008. That rules out COVID-19 as the sole driver and suggests deeper, long-term social and systemic issues are at play, according to The Morning Call.
What Parents and Doctors Can Do Right Now
Advocates say parents should talk openly with their children about emotions, even at young ages. Warning signs in preteens can include withdrawal, changes in sleep, declining grades, or giving away belongings. These signs are easy to miss in young children, according to Press Enterprise.
Doctors are also being urged to screen for mental health issues at routine checkups — not just physical health. Mental health experts say early action is the most effective tool available. The goal is to reach children before problems become crises, according to News-Herald.
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