Suicide has been reported as the second leading cause of death among teenagers, exceeded only by traffic accidents. However, the suicide rate among teens is actually lower than that of older persons. Thus, the relatively few suicides among teens make suicide a leading cause of death. However, much of this increase may not be real. In the past, there was widespread denial that pre-teens could decide to end their lives.
Data concerning young homosexuals is somewhat unreliable.
It appears that about one in three teen aged suicides is by a gay or lesbian. A person has a higher risk of suicide if their parent, close relative or close friend has taken their own life.