Preteen Suicide Rates Converge as Girls' Deaths Outpace Boys' in New Data
A new study in JAMA Pediatrics reveals that suicide rates for U.S. girls aged 10 to 14 have nearly caught up with boys, reversing a long-standing gender gap. While boys' rates declined by 35% between 2018 and 2024, girls' rates rose by 13%, resulting in nearly identical mortality figures in 2024. Experts attribute this shift to increased social media exposure, pandemic-related isolation, and the unique psychological pressures girls face regarding body image and social validation. The findings suggest that current prevention strategies may be insufficient for female adolescents, prompting calls for stricter age restrictions and better clinical screening.