Pediatrics

Poison center calls for self-harm spike among children ages 6 to 12

September 10, 2025

Study details: A retrospective analysis of National Poison Data System records from 2000 to 2023 identified 1,541,565 primary substance exposures among U.S. children aged 6 to 12 years. The majority involved a single substance (90.1%), occurred at home (95.8%), and affected boys (58.2%). Nearly half were therapeutic errors (48.6%).

Results: While most exposures resulted in minimal medical consequences, 3.5% required hospital admission, 4.0% had moderate effects, and 0.3% had major effects, with 95 deaths reported. Exposures associated with suspected self-harm or suicidal intent comprised 4.7% of all cases but represented 25.8% of cased among 12-year-olds. These cases were significantly more likely to result in admission (risk ratio [RR], 14.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 14.10–14.56) or serious outcomes (RR, 8.04; 95% CI, 7.91–8.17) compared with other exposures. Overall exposure rates increased by 53.8% over the study period, but self-harm/suicidal intent exposures rose by 311.2%.

Clinical impact: The dramatic escalation in self-harm and suicidal intent exposures among preadolescents, especially those aged 11 to 12, underscores an urgent need for targeted research and preventive interventions. Enhanced screening, mental health support, and safe medication storage are critical to address this emerging public health concern.

Source:

Ruge MJ, et al. (2025, September 8). Pediatrics. Poison Center Calls About Self-Harm or Suicidal Intent and Other Exposure Reasons in 6- to 12-Year-Old Children. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40915648/