A study from Nationwide Children's Hospital shows a growing racial disparity in suicide rates among school-aged children.
According to the study published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics, suicide is a leading cause of death among children under 12, and the rates have remained steady over the past 20 years. But the rate of suicide in African American children is climbing more rapidly than that of their Caucasian peers. According to the report, suicide ranked 14th as a cause of death among 5-11 year old African American children in 1993-1997, but rose to 9th for the 2008-2012 period. In comparison, suicide was ranked the 12th among white children the same age in 1993-1997, and 11th in 2008-2012. The study says the reasons for the racial disparity are not clear. Lead researcher, Dr. Jeff Bridge, says more research is needed to understand the causes of childhood suicide, and help tailor prevention strategies.
