• In 2002, suicide ranked as the third leading cause of death for young people (ages 15-19 and 15-24); only accidents and homicides occurred more frequently. ¹
• More children die from suicide in the 15 to 19 year old age group than the top 6 medical (such as cancer and heart disease) causes of death combined. ²
• Whereas suicides accounted for 1.3% of all deaths in the US, annually, they comprised 12.7% of all deaths among 15-24 year olds. ¹
• Each year, there are approximately 10 youth suicides for every 100,000 youth. ¹
• Each day, there are approximately 11 youth suicides. ¹
• Every 2 hours and 11 minutes, a person under the age of 25 completes suicide. ¹
• It is estimated that 1 in 12 college students have made a suicide plan.¹
• Although rates vary somewhat by geographic location, within a typical high school classroom, it is likely that three students (one boy and two girls) have made a suicide attempt in the past year. ¹
• For every completed suicide by youth, it is estimated that 100 to 200 attempts are made. Based on the 2003 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey (YRBSS), 8.5% of students in grades 9 through 12 reported making an attempt at suicide in the previous 12 months. (11.5 female and 5.4% male). Also according to the YRBSS, 16.9% of students seriously considered attempting suicide in the previous 12-month and 16.5% of students made plans for an attempt (2003). ¹ 

¹ www.suicidology.org • ² Anderson and Smith 2003