Data shows alarming increase of self-harm, suicide among Washington children

OLYMPIA, Wash. – New data shows an alarming increase in cases of self-harm or suspected suicide among children in Washington state .

The Washington Poison Center reports there were almost 2500 cases of self-harm or suspected suicide in teens in 2021.

That was a 27% increase over 2020.

There were 300 reported cases among children between 6 and 12.

That was 41% higher than a year before.

The center says the data is based on voluntary reports, meaning this is likely an underrepresentation of actual incidents.

Find resources for those in crisis on the Poison Center’s website.