Recent research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association indicates the suicide rate for teens ages 15 to 19 is at its highest point in 20 years, and that suicide is now the second-leading cause of death for that age group.

The report, based on statistics from the Centers for Disease Control’s Underlying Cause of Death database, reveals the increase has mainly occurred between 2007 and 2017, reaching a rate of 11.8 suicides per 100,000 in 2017, with males more than three times more likely than females to commit suicide.

The rise in the suicide rate is attributed to increased use of social media, anxiety and depression, though the report suggests more research is needed.

Excerpted from “Report: Adolescent suicide rate hits 20-year high” in Education DIVE.  Another article on this CDC report is available in Education Week.

Source: Education DIVE | Report: Adolescent suicide rate hits 20-year high, https://www.educationdive.com/news/report-adolescent-suicide-rate-hits-20-year-high/557262 | © 2019 Industry Dive