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U.S. Girls’ Suicide Rates Rise Sharply, Study Finds
A new study looked at suicide data for children in the United States.
It found that the rate among girls aged 10 to 14 rose greatly between 2007 and 2024.
During the same period, the difference between boys’ and girls’ rates became much smaller.
From 2018 to 2024, the rate went down for boys but went up for girls.
The researchers did not say that one thing caused this change.
They said smartphones and social media might be part of the problem.
Online comparisons, cyberbullying, appearance pressure and poor sleep can make some children feel worse.
The study says adults should create prevention plans that recognize the different needs of girls and boys.
A study of federal data found that suicide rates among U.S. girls aged 10 to 14 nearly quadrupled from 2007 to 2024.
By 2024, the suicide-rate difference between boys and girls in this age group had nearly disappeared.
From 2018 to 2024, the rate fell 35% among boys but rose 13% among girls.
The study did not identify one specific cause, though its author cited smartphone access and social media exposure as possible factors.
Researchers said the findings support prevention strategies tailored to girls as well as broader efforts involving families, schools, policymakers and technology companies.
- Who
- Girls and boys aged 10 to 14 in the United States; the study was conducted by an American psychologist at San Diego State University.
- What
- Researchers found a nearly fourfold increase in the suicide rate among girls aged 10 to 14 from 2007 to 2024, while the gender gap nearly disappeared.
- Where
- The United States.
- When
- The study analyzed federal data from 2001 through 2024, with specific comparisons covering 2007 to 2024 and 2018 to 2024.
- Why
- The study examined gender patterns in youth suicide rates and sought to identify where prevention efforts could be better targeted; it did not establish a single cause for the increase.
Social Media May Contribute
The Causes Are Multifaceted
Role of digital platforms
Social Media May Contribute
The study’s author pointed to smartphone access and social media exposure as potentially important factors, including comparison, cyberbullying, appearance pressure and disrupted sleep.
The Causes Are Multifaceted
The researchers did not conclude that social media alone caused the increase, emphasizing that the trend likely involves multiple social, psychological and environmental factors.
Prevention approach
Social Media May Contribute
The findings suggest that policymakers, parents, schools and technology companies should address online pressures and strengthen protections for young users.
The Causes Are Multifaceted
The study indicates that prevention should not focus only on social media and should include gender-specific strategies for the broader mental-health crisis.
Key facts
- Data period
- 2001-2024
- Girls’ rate change
- Nearly fourfold increase from 2007 to 2024
- Girls’ recent change
- 13% increase from 2018 to 2024
- Boys’ recent change
- 35% decrease from 2018 to 2024
- Age group
- Children aged 10 to 14
- Possible contributing factors
- Smartphone access, social media exposure, cyberbullying, appearance pressure and disrupted sleep
- Study conclusion
- The findings point to a complex problem involving multiple social, psychological and environmental factors
Sources
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