Editorial: Preteens and Suicide Risk: It Doesn't Hurt to Ask

Suicide is an increasingly urgent public health issue among preteens, defined as youth aged 8 to 12 years. Within the last decade, rates of suicide deaths in preteens rose 8% annually,¹ and suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) have significantly increased in this population.² Given these sobering statistics, screening and early detection of suicide risk is critical for connecting more preteens to mental health care. Prior research shows that over 70% of 8- to 9-year-olds who screened positive in an emergency department presented with physical complaints and that STBs were found only through screening, further highlighting the importance of asking about suicide risk in this population.³ A third to a half of preteens who present for a behavioral health concern screen positive for suicide risk.³.