Findings from Our New Report, "The Hidden Crisis: Suicidality in Children as Young as 5"

Findings from Our New Report, "The Hidden Crisis: Suicidality in Children as Young as 5"

Content Warning: This article deals with topics related to suicide. Please take care when reading. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), go to the nearest emergency room, or reach out to one of the following national resources:

  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • Trevor Project: Text START to 678-678


As parents, the thought of a child grappling with suicidal thoughts can be terrifying and difficult to comprehend. The notion that children as young as five could be at risk is both alarming and heartbreaking. However, understanding this reality is crucial to providing the support and care that our children need.

Suicidality in Young Children: An Emerging Concern

Recent data from Little Otter, a pediatric and whole-family mental health organization, reveals that suicidal thoughts and behaviors are not limited to teenagers and adults. In The Hidden Crisis: Suicidality in Children as Young as 5, a comprehensive study involving over 1,400 children aged 3 to 14, Little Otter found that young children experience suicidal thoughts at rates comparable to older children and adults. These findings challenge the misconception that suicide is only a concern for teens, highlighting the need for awareness and proactive mental health care for children of all ages.

Key Findings from the Report

  • Prevalence Across Age Groups: The report found that 1 in 5 children aged 8 to 14 presented with a positive current suicide risk. Surprisingly, even among younger children aged 3 to 7, about 6% were identified as being at risk for suicide. These statistics underscore that suicidal thoughts can occur at any age, and it's vital to be vigilant.
  • Risk Factors and Depression: Children with a positive suicide risk were three times more likely to show symptoms of depression. However, it's important to note that not all children with suicidal thoughts exhibit signs of depression, which means that screening specifically for suicide risk is essential to identify all children who may be at risk.
  • Effectiveness of Treatment: The good news is that with proper intervention, children at risk of suicide can experience significant improvement. Little Otter's evidence-based virtual mental health care was shown to be just as effective for children with suicide risk as it is for those without. After 12 or more sessions, 75% of children with a positive suicide screen showed clinically significant improvement compared to 79% of children without suicide risk.

What Parents Can Do

Understanding that children can have suicidal thoughts is the first step in addressing this serious issue. Open communication is key—don’t shy away from talking about mental health and suicide with your children. Research shows that talking about suicide does not increase the risk; rather, it can reduce suicidal ideation and be the first step for getting mental health care for your child.

If you are concerned about your child’s mental health, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Early treatment is crucial and can significantly impact your child’s well-being. Little Otter’s approach, which includes universal screening and evidence-based virtual care, demonstrates that we can successfully identify and treat suicidality in children.

Next Steps

For more detailed information, strategies for prevention, and resources to support your family, we encourage you to download the full report, The Hidden Crisis: Suicidality in Children as Young as 5 . It offers valuable insights and practical tools that can help you safeguard your child’s mental health.

Remember, you are not alone. If your child is in crisis, there are resources available to provide immediate support:

  • 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
  • Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741
  • Emergency Services: Call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room

Matt Silva

Product leader driving innovation for mission-driven companies with a focus on healthcare.

1 个月

Are there any insights you can share about the Mood and Feelings Questionnaire? I'm curious to understand the nuance underlying risk factors for these younger groups. ??

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