According to the CDC, suicide rates have drastically increased among the youth. The suicide rates of children continue to rise at an alarming pace, especially in black males, and it is due to uncontrolled mental health issues in the youth.
The overall suicide rate of people under 25 years of age has remained at approximately six people per 100,000 people since the 1980s. Since then (In 1992), the suicide rate jumped to 5,007 children per 100,000. While the rate in young black males is increasing rapidly, the rate of young white males has continued to have the highest rate. Young white males’ suicide rates grew by about 5 percent (From 15.4 to 16.1) between 1980 and 1992. Among black males, the overall suicide rate rose a stunning 20 percent (From 8.5 to 10.1). However, suicide rates of black males between 10 years old and 14 years old rose 300 percent (From 0.5 to 2). Among all 10-14 year olds, the rate rase 120 percent. Among all 15-19 year olds, the rate rose 28.3 percent.
According to the CDC, more than 50 percent of those who commit suicide do it with a gun. While suicide has drastically increased, suicide attempts have not. Children are choosing guns because “they work.”
