The number of children hospitalized for suicidal thoughts has doubled between 2008 and 2015. Clinical and Forensic Psychologist Dr. Judy Ho says the sharp increase is troubling – especially with all the suicide attempts live streamed on social media. Experts are trying to figure out – why?
“Honestly we don’t know. I think since this research has come out people have been looking and analyzing all the different factors and trying to figure out this increase.”
Dr. Ho goes on to say that ten year olds are especially vulnerable.
”It’s most rising among – at least with attempts – among girls at that age, which is most concerning.”
Online bullying and anxiety and depression caused by scrolling through others’ updates on social media are believed to be contributing factors in the rise in the hospitalizations for suicidal thoughts.
She says one bright spot in all this is the increase in tracking and awareness of problem.
Dr. Judy Ho was a guest on McIntyre in the Morning.
By Sandy Wells
KABC News