CDC Finds Alarming Rise in Suicides Among 10-14 Year Olds

Data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Report shows that the rate of death by suicide among adolescents, 10 - 14 years old, has been on the rise and is now higher than that of death by motor vehicles. In 2009, approximately one youth per 100,000 died by suicide, compared to 2014 when approximately two youths per 100,000 took their own lives.

At the Trevor Project, the nation's only accredited suicide prevention program for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ) youth under 25, we hear from youth every day about the struggles they are facing. According to the CDC's Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) report, we know that LGB young people in 9th to 12th-grade attempt suicide at a rate more than four times that of their heterosexual peers.

While reliable national statistics for LGB youth in the 10-14-year-old range do not exist, we know from the daily crisis calls, chats, and texts we receive that they too are at risk for suicidal ideation, particularly during this critical time in their identity development.

Of note, the rate of death by motor vehicles has dropped significantly over the same period that the rate of death by suicide has increased, among 10-14-year-olds. The success in combatting motor vehicle deaths is attributable to a comprehensive approach including infrastructure improvements, policy and system change, partnerships, education, and awareness, along with a major investment of over $576 million by the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration funded in grants to promote motor vehicle safety and the U.S.

If similar comprehensive, multifaceted national suicide prevention efforts were implemented and brought to scale, as outlined in the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention, this country would have the potential to reverse the trend in suicide mortality.

"At The Trevor Project, we are very disturbed to know that suicide is rising among the youth of this nation. We receive calls from youth as young as 9-years-old who are looking for support as they struggle with their sexual and gender identity," said Abbe Land, Executive Director and CEO of The Trevor Project. "It is imperative that more resources need to go toward preventing suicide in this country. It is unconscionable that significant dollars are not allocated when we know that Suicide can be prevented. We call upon our national, state and local leaders to take action immediately."

While incredibly informative about prevalence, the report does not include information on the causes of these trends. There are certainly many contributing factors to consider, but is it also very important to note what can be done to foster resilience and safety for LGBTQ and other youth. Families, schools, and communities must come together to reduce the risk for youth suicide by creating safe, connected environments that foster resiliency, non-violent problem-solving skills, and coping skills.

In particular, the public can take part in improving the lives of young people who report being LGBTQ by showing them that we all care about their mental health: