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. 2024 Nov 1;154(Suppl 3):e2024067043L.
doi: 10.1542/peds.2024-067043L.

Characteristics and Circumstances of Suicide Among Children Aged 6 to 9 Years: 2006-2021

Sasha Mintz  1 , Heather Dykstra  1 , Michelle Cornette  2 , Rebecca F Wilson  3 , Janet M Blair  3 , Diane Pilkey  4 , Abigael Collier  1
Affiliations

Characteristics and Circumstances of Suicide Among Children Aged 6 to 9 Years: 2006-2021

Sasha Mintz et al. Pediatrics. .

Abstract

Background: Limited research exists on suicide among children aged 5 to 9 years. The objective of this study was to examine characteristics of suicide in children younger than 10 years.

Methods: Data are from the National Fatality Review-Case Reporting System (NFR-CRS) for years 2006 through 2021 for children aged 6 to 9 years who died by suicide. No suicide deaths were reported in NFR-CRS for children aged ≤ 5 years. Descriptive analyses by demographics and circumstances were conducted. A thematic analysis of prevention recommendations made by child death review teams was performed.

Results: From 2006 to 2021, NFR-CRS identified 78 suicide decedents aged 6 to 9 years. The largest share were aged 9 years (72%), male (74%), non-Hispanic Black (42%), and died by hanging (86%) at home (91%). School-related problems (39%), history of child maltreatment (36%), history of mental health services (30%), argument with parents (23%), and familial discord (19%) were common circumstances. Key suicide prevention themes included education for caregivers and school staff, improved behavioral health services, and implementation of school policies and programs.

Conclusions: Results provide a more complete picture of suicide among younger children, improving understanding of their unique characteristics. It is recommended that program planners consider both age-appropriateness and the impacts of social (eg, racism) and structural inequities in their approaches to prevention, encompassing both community and school-based strategies. For pediatricians, results emphasize the importance of lethal means counseling, safety planning, and educating parents and caregivers on the distinct warning signs of suicide for younger children.

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Conflict of interest statement

CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURES: The authors have indicated they have no conflicts of interest relevant to this article to disclose.

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