Youth Suicide
Age 13-18 (Adolescence)
Note
*: Statistically unstable
Data not available:
Grade 7 in School Year 2014-15 and 2015-17; Gender: Nonbinary and Something Else in School Year 2019-2021
Race-Ethnicity categories:
Hispanic or Latinx, AIAN: American Indian or Alaskan Native, Asian or Asian American, Black or African American, NHPI: Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, White, Multi-Race: Mixed (two or more) ethnics, Something else
Sources:
Question: During the past 12 months, did you ever seriously consider attempting suicide?
San Diego County County. California Healthy Kids Survey, 2014-15: Main Report. San Francisco: WestEd Health & Human Development Program for the California Department of Education.
Table A8.5
San Diego County County. California Healthy Kids Survey, 2015-17: Main Report. San Francisco: WestEd Health & Justice Program for the California Department of Education.
Table A8.5
San Diego County County. California Healthy Kids Survey, 2017-19: Main Report. San Francisco: WestEd Health & Justice Program for the California Department of Education.
Table A8.5
San Diego County County. California Healthy Kids Survey, 2019-21: Main Report. San Francisco: WestEd for the California Department of Education.
Table A7.2
San Diego County County. California Healthy Kids Survey, 2022-23: Main Report. San Francisco: WestEd for the California Department of Education.
Table A7.2
What is the indicator?
This indicator – the percentage of students in grades 7, 9, and 11 who reported they had considered attempting suicide in the prior 12 months—reflects trends among a subset of youth who are students. These data are collected and reported from California Healthy Kids Survey. The survey monitors well-being and health-risk behaviors among students in San Diego County schools.
Why is this important?
Suicide is a significant public health issue and one of the leading causes of death in the US. Many young people who attempt suicide end up injured or hospitalized. Additionally, numerous youth report having attempted suicide or experiencing suicidal thoughts. The most common methods among young people include firearms, suffocation/hanging, and poisoning/overdose. Beyond the tragedy of loss, suicide leaves a lasting traumatic impact on families, friends, and communities. However, suicide is preventable with appropriate support, guidance, and interventions for youth.
What strategies can make a difference?
These evidence-based strategies are used across the country to address youth suicide:
- Reduce the stigma associated with seeking help for mental and behavioral health concerns.
- Raise awareness among families, schools, and community leaders regarding the indications of depression and thoughts of suicide (such as discussing or contemplating death or suicide).
- Provide tailored interventions for at-risk youth and families from diverse cultural and racial/ethnic backgrounds.
- Educate parents and others on the importance of limiting access to lethal means, especially firearms, which are commonly used by youth in suicide attempts.
- Engage and educate peers and influential adults like teachers, school bus drivers, and coaches to recognize the warning signs and risk factors of depression and suicide. Teach peers to treat suicidal statements as emergencies, encourage them to confide in a trusted adult, and use crisis hotlines.