US preteen suicide rate reaches highest level in decades
Preliminary federal data recorded 194 suicide deaths among children ages 8 to 12 in 2025
The number of U.S. children ages 8 to 12 who died by suicide reached 194 in 2025, the highest total since at least 2001, based on preliminary data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to reporting from Stateline. Researchers at the National Institutes of Health found the preteen suicide rate has increased by an average of 8.2% annually since 2008.
The researchers found Black preteens had the highest overall suicide rate, while girls and Hispanic preteens experienced the largest percentage increases. Native American preteens also experienced some of the most pronounced increases. Mental health experts are calling for earlier screenings, more mental health check-ins and interventions tailored for Native, Black and LGBTQ+ children. Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis can call or text 988 for help.
- 1.Nada Hassanein. Rise in US preteen suicide rate alarms mental health experts. Stateline, .
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