10/24/04
Report
This Bulletin examines mortality statistics compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, comparing the characteristics of juvenile suicides with those of juvenile murders. This OJJDP Bulletin, part of the Youth Violence Research Series, reveals that suicide was the fourth leading cause of death for juveniles ages 7-17, behind accidental deaths, homicides, and cancer. More than 20,000 juveniles committed suicide between 1981 and 1998, almost as many as were victims of homicide during the same period. Published by the Department of Justice and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.