Exploring the role of technology in youth and adolescent deaths by suicide using data from the 2017-2019 National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS).

Abstract

Objective: Suicide is a leading cause of adolescent death demonstrating an increasing trend in the United States for more than a decade. Recently, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory about the negative impact of social media on adolescent mental health. Results from prior research on digital engagement among adolescents have been inconsistent. The purpose of this research is to investigate trends in adolescent technology use prior to death by suicide using National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) data.

Method: All 3,597 case records for adolescent deaths by suicide occurring during 2017-2019 were screened for mention of technology use. Qualitative content analysis methods were used to develop a codebook of nine technology use categories. Descriptive parameters were compiled, and cross tabulations by age, sex, use, and contextual factors were compiled.

Results: A final sample of 1,107 incidents included an identified role of technology use. Most completed suicides involved males, and the most common use of technology was to communicate intent to die by suicide on social media, identified in approximately 50% of identified incidents across demographic categories. Unavailability of technology due to punishment or malfunction preceded death by suicide in 23% of cases.

Conclusion: Results of national survey data suggest adolescent females experience poorer mental health than males although adolescent males in the United States died by suicide at more than twice the rate of females. Suicide following technology restriction supports prior research suggesting the potential for technology addiction among adolescents. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).