September 11, 2026
Knowing the warning signs of childhood suicide and taking immediate action can prevent a child’s death by suicide.
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
No parent expects to find their child in crisis, contemplating something as devastating as suicide. But childhood suicide is a reality more families encounter than most of us realize, and it’s one that leaves parents feeling unprepared, guilty, and afraid to even bring up the subject. Knowing the risk factors that can put a child at greater risk, the warning signs that often show up beforehand, and how to have the hard conversations can make all the difference. While none of us can shield our children from every trial, we can learn to recognize when they’re struggling and respond with the wisdom and love they need most
Demetrius was eleven years old when his mom found him unconscious on the floor with an empty bottle of pills next to him. He had gone downstairs to play video games after his homework was done, as he did every weekend. However, when she had called for him to come upstairs for pizza, he never arrived. Now, as his mom sat in the ER waiting for the doctor to tell her if Demetrius would recover from his attempted suicide, her mind spun. Were there risk factors and warning signs of childhood suicide that she had missed with her son? What could she have done to help prevent this?
Most parents are terrified at the thought that their child might contemplate, or worse, attempt suicide. It’s a difficult thing to acknowledge that our children struggle, and we want to do our best to protect them from suffering. However, Jesus tells us in John 16:33, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
While we do trust Jesus with our lives and our children’s lives, we also must recognize and understand that they will face trials, temptations, and difficulties. God was intentional when He gave us our children, and when He made us their parents. He has put us in a position to teach and guide them, and help them through the difficult times, even mental health challenges, and He promised to be with us no matter what.
However, it is important that we recognize when our children are facing those difficult times. According to the American Medical Association, more than 75% of parents are not aware that their child has thought of suicide.
Suicide is the eighth leading cause of death for children between five and ten years old and the second leading cause of death for children age ten and older. As rates of childhood suicide continue to climb, we need to give our children the best possible opportunities to overcome their emotions, fears, and challenges. We also need to be diligent about watching for risk factors and warning signs of childhood suicide.
Children who have encountered certain experiences in their young lives are at increased risk for childhood suicide. It is important to note that having one of these risk factors does not mean your child is contemplating suicide. However, the presence of one or more of these risk factors does mean that you, as a parent need to be on the lookout for warning signs. To prevent childhood suicide, we must be proactive.
The following are possible risk factors for childhood suicide:
Children and teenagers are more likely to attempt suicide if they:
If your child has any of the above risk factors, or other issues that you believe may be a risk factor, be proactive and watch for warning signs that they may be thinking of suicide. How you address those thoughts and warning signs may save your child’s life.
Studies show that four out of five children who attempt suicide showed clear warning signs beforehand. Warning signs of suicide in children may include:
Not all of these signs will be present in a child who is contemplating suicide. There are occasions where a child shows no signs before making an attempt. However, if you notice any of the above warning signs, especially in combination with each other, be vigilant. Err on the side of caution. Take these warning signs seriously and act right away.
Discovering that your child is at risk or is exhibiting warning signs of suicide can be unsettling for a parent. You may feel hopeless and helpless, fearing for their life. While you want to trust that they are in God’s hands and that He will protect them, you know that your child may choose to cause themself harm.
Remember that God loves your child beyond measure. He has given you the blessing and opportunity to help them, guide them, share His love with them, and help them navigate the difficult moments. You have the opportunity to be His voice, His hands, and His feet.
Chuck Swindoll wrote, “The longer I live, the more convinced I become that life is ten percent what happens to us and ninety percent how we respond to it.” Whether your child has any risk factors or not, it is important to teach them a growth mindset and how to overcome the difficult moments they’ll face in life. Stay involved in your child’s life, connecting with them as often as you can, and keeping an open line of communication.
If you notice any of the warning signs listed above, take action immediately. First, in most cases, sit down with your child and have a heart-to-heart discussion. If your child tends to be more withdrawn, you might find that a “side-by-side” conversation while taking a walk together might be less threatening and may engender more transparency. Studies show that asking does not increase suicides or suicidal thoughts. In fact, talking about suicide may decrease suicidal thoughts. Ask them direct and open-ended questions, and listen carefully to their responses.
If your child does tell you that they are thinking of suicide, you need to next determine:
If you believe your child is an imminent threat to themselves, call 988 – The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Or, if they have a plan, remove or disable the lethal means they plan to use. Do not leave them alone or without supervision. Help them connect with a licensed counselor for long-term help and guidance. You can visit Focus on the Family’s Christian Counselors Network website (www.christiancounselorsnetwork.com) to find vetted Christian counselors that might be in your area. If your child has actually begun an act of suicide, call 911 immediately.
As a parent, facing the risks and warning signs of child suicide can be frightening and feel overwhelming. But remember that you are not alone and there are resources to help you navigate these difficult moments and conversations. God has a plan for your child’s life.
Lainey La Shay is a writer who shines a light on the deep issues of life and relationships. She works to educate others about domestic violence and to assist survivors. Lainey is the author of More than a Survivor: A Devotional and Journal for Those Healing from Trauma and Abuse. Learn more at www.laineylashay.com.
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