During COVID-19 there was limited access to pediatric mental health care services at facilities and schools. 

COVID-19 Effect on Pediatric Mental Healthcare

In 2021, suicide was the second leading cause of death among 10 to 19 year olds.

Pediatric Suicide Deaths

In recent years, cyberbullying has been identified as a contributing factor in suicides among adolescents. A well-known example is the case of Phoebe Prince, a 15-year-old high school student who died by suicide after being subjected to relentless harassment from classmates through text messages and social media.

Cyberbullying as a Factor in Adolescent Suicide

From 2016 to 2021, emergency room visits for suicidal ideation among 5 to 19 year olds rose 59%. Hospitalizations for this rose 57% from 2019 to 2020. 

New Mexico Highlands University

Health Psychology research studies relating to Suicide include
- Suicide stigma and secrecy can contribute to increased suicidality
- Suicide screening tools
- Pediatric suicidal ideation
- Suicide and criminal justice population


Health Psychology Research Relating to Suicide

O’Mary, L. (2022, November 14. ER Visits for kids with suicidal thoughts increasing: Study. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/children/news/20221114/er-visits-young-kids-suicidal-thoughts-increasing

ER Visits For Kids With Suicidal Thoughts Increasing: Study

Based on current research studies, anticipated suicide stigma and secrecy about one's suicidal behavior can contribute to increased suicidality (includes both suicidal ideations and actual suicide attempts) among suicide attempt survivors, as well as those living with a mental illness. 

Suicide stigma and secrecy can contribute to increased suicidality

Pediatric Suicidal Ideation 

This is used to check if someone is at risk of taking their own lives. Tools include Ask Suicide Screening Questions (ASQ), Risk or Suicide Questionnaire (RSQ), and Columbia-Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS).

Sucide Screening Tools


Those in the criminal justice population are at a higher risk of suicide compared to other groups in the U.S. In county jails, where people are held pretrial and serve less than a year, suicide is often the leading cause of death. In prisons with sentences greater than a year, about half of unnatural deaths are due to suicide.

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