Definition: Estimated percentage of children ages 12-17 who have ever had thoughts about hurting themselves, by number of positive childhood experiences (PCEs). E.g., in 2024, among California youth ages 12-17 with 6-7 PCEs, 9.8% had had suicidal thoughts.
Data Source: Number of positive childhood experiences (PCEs) - Teens: The California Health Interview Survey, 2022-2024. Tabulation by the California Dept. of Public Health, Injury and Violence Prevention Branch (Jun. 2026).
Footnote: This indicator captures seven positive childhood experiences: Always or most of the time (1) feeling able to talk to family about feelings, (2) feeling supported by family during difficult times, (3) feeling safe and protected by an adult at home, (4) having at least two adults other than parents take genuine interest, (5) feeling supported by friends, (6) feeling a sense of belonging at school, (7) enjoying participating in community traditions. These estimates are based on a survey of the population and are subject to both sampling and nonsampling error. Use data with caution. The annotation [!!] indicates a statistically unstable estimate with a small sample size and coefficient of variation greater than 30%. For more information, visit the California Health Interview Survey.
