Teen Girl Suicides Doubled Since 2007, Hitting a 40-Year High
http://www.acsh.org/news/2017/08/03/teen-girl-suicides-doubled-2007-hitting-40-year-high-11651
It’s not easy being a teenager. Since time immemorial, teens have had to grapple with the raging hormones and quest for self-identity that are hallmarks of this stage of life. However, coming of age in an era of social media — in which every moment of a person’s life can be live-tweeted and publicly scrutinized — makes an already difficult situation that much worse.
New data released by the CDC highlights the hardship of modern teenage life. Since 2007, the suicide rate among boys aged 15 to 19 has increased by 31% (from 10.8 to 14.2 per 100,000), while the suicide rate among girls has more than doubled (from 2.4 to 5.1 per 100,000). In fact, the suicide rate for teenage girls is at a 40-year high*.
The authors do not explain the reasons behind this increase, but it is tempting to speculate that social media may be playing a role. Facebook was founded in 2004, Twitter in 2006. Over the past several years, multiple anecdotes have linked teenage suicides to social media bullying.
Of course, anecdotes are not data. A closer examination into the cause of this recent surge in teen suicides is needed. However, linking them to social media is certainly a tempting hypothesis.
Suicide Is Not Just a Problem for Teens
Complicating the picture is the fact that, according to other data from the CDC, suicide rates have increased for all age groups in the United States, with the lone exception of those aged 75 and older. The surge in suicides for people in their 60s, for instance, is not likely attributable to social media.
Additionally, rural Americans have been hit hardest by the suicide epidemic, witnessing an increase of 40% in 16 years. Once again, this would argue against social media as an explanation.
What Is Causing the Surge in Suicides?
Obviously, people commit suicide for various reasons: Depression, loneliness, mental illness, drug addiction, relationship trouble, financial hardship, and bullying have all been implicated. Determining the predominant causes of suicide in each age and ethnic demographic would be a major step toward reversing this troubling trend.
Note: The data in this study only goes back 40 years. The current 40-year high could actually stretch back further in time.
Source: “QuickStats: Suicide Rates for Teens Aged 15-19 Years, by Sex — United States, 1975-2015.” MMWR 66 (30): 816. Published: 4-Aug-2017. DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm6630a6.
Filed under: General Problems
You are correct Steve!! Where is the outrage!! Where is the media? Certainly, not covering this. All the media seems to care about is the “fake opioid epidemic.” Chronic pain patients–just wait. The next thing we will hear is that Trump has declared a national emergency!! It will get him positive news coverage as he will be perceived as “having done something positive” about this national epidemic FAKE as it is because the news media keeps ginning it up. WE NEED TO GET THE FAILURE RATE of the rehab centers in the news, but wait, the news does not want to publish this either!! They also refuse to publish the fact that IBOGAINE works within three days for addicts!! Those REHAB clinics do not want the public to know this either!!
This is very sad indeed,,but since my knowledge encompasses CPP,,,,,
Come on federal government,,,why aren’t u passing laws to restrict the time allocated for all teen girls to only 5 minutes a day,,Furthermore no access to any media,,,or media ONLY u federal government deem fit?Why aren’t u passing laws to regulated teen girls behaviours as well??U seem to stick u nose into to everywhere u don’t belong,,,,have at it,,,,