For every two youth (ages 0-19) murdered in 1994, one youth committed suicide

7% of all suicides in 1994 involved youth age 19 or younger

FBI data indicate that in 1994 about 4,500 youth age 19 or younger were murdered in the U.S. The magnitude of this problem has captured the public's attention. However, much less attention has been given to the fact that for every two youth murdered, one youth commits suicide.

The National Center for Health Statistics reported that 31,142 persons committed suicide in the United States in 1994. Seven percent (2,271) of these were youth age 19 or younger. Overall, suicides increased 14% between 1979 and 1994. For youth younger than age 15, the increase was 112%. Despite this large increase, these youngest suicide victims accounted for just 1% of all suicides.

Young suicide victims are disproportionately male and white

Males accounted for 8 in 10 youth suicides; 8 in 10 suicides involved white youth.