Law and Policy Pathways to Addressing Rising Youth Suicide Rates

Overview

Death by suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people ages 10-24. Certain youth populations, children and young people, are particularly vulnerable, including rural, Indigenous, and LGBTQ youth. Black youth have also experienced troubling increases in suicide deaths and attempts. Female youth historically have higher rates of suicide attempts relative to male youth, but male youth have higher rates of death by suicide; there is evidence, however, that this gap is narrowing due to increased rates of completed female youth suicides. There is broad consensus that suicide risk is multi-factored. Youths may also fall within multiple at-risk populations. As such, effective suicide prevention strategies require a multi-dimensional, holistic, and intersectional approach. This resource can assist in decision-making processes and resource allocation to reduce youth suicide.