Recently, Axios reported startling statistics which reveal the suicide rate of teen girls is rising. A JAMA Pediatrics study noted,

“Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 10- to 14-year-olds in the US. Suicide rates increased markedly in this age group between 2007 and 2021.

Historically, suicide rates have been higher for male individuals than for female individuals across all age groups.

Between 2007 and 2016, the suicide rate for 10- to 19-year-old female individuals increased more than the rate for male individuals, thus narrowing the gender gap in suicide rates.”

Jean Twenge, a psychologist and author of the research commented on the mystery of the rise in suicide among teen girls– listing social media as a possible source of emotional and mental distress:

“We know from a lot of research that the association between time spent on social media, depression, self-harm, and other mental health issues is stronger for girls than for boys, and girls also spend more time on social media…”

Additionally, David Closson, director of the Center for Biblical Worldview at Family Research Council (FRC) commented on the emotional upheaval that young girls experience as a result of social media:

“These numbers reveal a generation struggling with profound loneliness, anxiety, and despair…

Our culture tells young people, especially girls immersed in social media, that they must construct their own identity, secure the approval of others, and find their value in appearance, achievement, or online attention. That is an unbearable burden for a child to carry.” 

Pew Research reported at the end of 2025 that nearly one in five teenagers admit to being on some form of social media “almost constantly.”

These statistics are scary. As a mom to a little girl with another one on the way, it is easy for me to become fearful over the future that my children will experience.

The digital age has brought amazing benefits to our society – no doubt about it. It has allowed me to work from home so that I can be present and available for my children. Nevertheless, we cannot downplay the very real dangers and devastations that have come as a result of the digital age in which we live– particularly social media.

What started out as a means of connection has very quickly spiraled into addictions, comparisons, and cyberbullying.

It is no wonder that the young, impressionable, and sensitive minds of 10–14-year-old girls are unable to mentally handle the mental strain that comes from social media usage. As a full-grown woman, I admit that I struggle to handle it – hence why I have set time limits on my phone to limit my own access.

With all of this in mind, are parents helpless to stop the rise of teen suicide – all the while fearing it will impact their own family?

No, I don’t think so.

God has charged parents with the duty and responsibility of shepherding and protecting the hearts of their children. With this in mind, here are a few action steps that I would recommend to parents. Though I am a young parent, these action steps are standards that my own home either already adopts or will adopt when the time comes.

1.Family dinners are not optional.

Being around family and having regular, daily engagement in conversation is medicine to depression, loneliness, and isolation that is so common amongst the younger generation. Statistics reveal that only about one third of families with teenagers eat dinner together 1-2 times per week.

On the flip side, studies show the immense social and behavioral benefits that come from regular family dinners: lower stress, more connection, healthier eating, better communication, stronger academic performance and more.

2.Teenagers don’t need social media.

The number of young girls that I see on social media is astonishing. Now, I understand the peer pressure that comes with being a teen girl (after all, I was one not too long ago). While it might (and probably will) make you the unpopular parent with both your teen and their friends, you are still the parent.

It is time for parents to just say “no” to social media access for their teens.

The online accessibility of chat rooms, disappearing messages, ultra-consumerism, sensuality, and predatory behavior that is accessible at the click of a button should be enough for parents to ban it from their home.

3.Regular check-ins/family outings with your children.

The addiction of social media is very real – the draw to be on your phone constantly, the endless scrolling option, and the illusion of parasocial relationships is very enticing. Your teens, and your children in general, need regular in-person human connection and conversation. Regular family outings, get-togethers, or other types of in-person fellowship are healing to the soul’s need for connection and meaning.

Even something as simple as inviting your kids along on errands can bring more life to their souls than you may realize. I remember always accompanying my mom on her errands when I was a teen. It gives you a sense of purpose and meaning – that you are wanted and valuable to the family.

While these few actions steps are not necessarily the end-all-be-all “cure” to the rise we’re seeing in teen girl suicide, they are nevertheless action steps that you as parents can take to help ensure the safety, well-being and feelings of belonging of your children.