06/09/2025
According to the CDC, su***de is the second leading cause of death for young people aged 10 to 24. And the numbers have more than doubled between 2000 and 2021.
Children who feel they are “different” are at higher risk for bullying, which can contribute to mental health challenges. Students identifying as le***an, gay, or bisexual are 5 times more likely than straight teens to attempt su***de. And according to a survey by the CDC, more than a quarter of gay teens reported attempting su***de in the prior 12 months.
Parents sometimes worry that asking about su***de may make it more likely, but that isn’t the case, and asking is very important. For children who have a hard time admitting they need help, it sends the message that a parent cares very much about them, and that struggling and asking for help is okay. That conversation can be lifesaving.
When a child mentions that they’re thinking about death or su***de, it’s important to take them seriously. And if you’re concerned that they might be in immediate danger of attempting su***de, call 911 or take them to the nearest emergency room.
See our educational resources on su***de and self-harm below:
https://childmind.org/topics/su***de-self-harm/
