American Preteen Suicide Rates Increased More Than 8 Percent Annually Since 2008: Study

The researchers called for ‘culturally informed and developmentally appropriate prevention efforts.’

Suicide rates significantly increased by 8.2 percent annually from 2008 to 2022, the study found. File photo/Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Suicide rates among American preteens have surged in recent years, with the greatest increase observed among girls, according to a peer-reviewed study published on July 30.

The study, published in the JAMA Network Open, investigated preteen (ages 8 to 12) suicide deaths during the period from 2001 to 2022. A total of 2,241 such deaths were identified.