Youth Suicide Rates Decline, Risks Remain

"The number of suicides per 100,000 young people ages 10 to 24 declined by nearly 12 percent, from 11 to 9.7, between 2021 and 2024. The decrease was driven largely by reductions among young men, whose suicide levels fell by nearly 15 percent, while suicides among young women declined by about 2 percent."

"Firearms account for more than half of youth suicides, making them the leading cause of such deaths among young people. The JED analysis found that firearm suicides among 10- to 24-year-olds peaked in 2021 and declined slightly by 2024, but the decreases were not shared equally across groups."

"Suicides declined among white youth, but not among their Black peers. Firearm suicides among Black youth surpassed those of white youth for the first time in 2022 and remained high in 2023 and 2024."

CDC data analyzed by The Jed Foundation reveals youth suicide rates among ages 10-24 decreased from 11 to 9.7 per 100,000 between 2021 and 2024. Young men's suicide rates fell nearly 15 percent while young women's declined about 2 percent. Firearms account for over half of youth suicides. Firearm suicides peaked in 2021 and declined slightly by 2024, but decreases were unequal across groups. Suicides declined among white youth but increased among Black youth, whose firearm suicide rates surpassed white youth rates in 2022 and remained elevated through 2024. Despite improvements, youth suicide rates remain critically high.

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