National Youth Suicide Statistics

Nationally, suicide ranks as the third leading cause of death for young people ages 15-29, behind only homicides and accidents. Each year, there are approximately 12 suicides for every 100,000 adolescents, with approximately 12 young people between the ages of 15-24 dying every day by suicide.

Whereas suicides account for 1.2% of all deaths in the U.S. annually, they comprise 12.8% of all deaths among 15-24 year olds.

As if those statistics were not troubling enough, suicide rates have risen dramatically in recent years. Suicide rates for 15-24 year olds have more than doubled since the 1950’s, although they have remained largely stable at these higher levels since the late 1970’s. However, for those within that subgroup aged 15-19, the suicide rate has increased 11% between 1980 and 1997. The trends are even more discouraging for younger teens. Suicide rates for those between the ages of 10-14 increased 99% between 1980 and 1997.

Young males complete suicide at a rate four times that of young females. The male to female ratio (in 2000) of completed suicides was 3.7:1 among 10-14 year olds, 5:1 among 15-19 year olds, and 6.2:1 among 20-24 year olds.

Firearms remain the most commonly used suicide method among youth, regardless of race or gender, accounting for almost 60% of completed suicides. Research has shown that the access to and the availability of firearms is a significant factor in the increase of youth suicide. Studies indicate that most adolescent suicides occur in the afternoon or early evening and in the teen’s home. The typical profile of an adolescent nonfatal suicide attempter is a female who ingests pills, while the profile of the typical suicide completer is a male who dies from a gunshot wound.

Although rates vary somewhat by geographic location, within a typical high school classroom it is likely that three students (one boy and two girls) have made a suicide attempt in the past year. Nationwide, nearly one in five high school students have stated on self-reported surveys that they have seriously considered attempting suicide during the preceding 12 months.