Teens Who Move Have Higher Suicide Risk

A recent study shows that kids whose families move frequently have a higher suicide rate than those that don’t.

MSNBC.com reports that psychologists have known for years that moves can be distrssing for kids. But a new study published in the Archives of Psychiatry shows that the impact on some adolescents may be more devastating than anyone thought.

The study found that kids aged 11 to 17 were twice as likely to attempt suicide if their families moved three or more times. If the family moved more than 10 times, the children were four times as likely to attempt suicide compared to those who had never moved.

The researchers say parents can lessen the impact of moving if they include the child in discussions of the anticipated move and give them an opportunity to see the new house and neighborhood before moving. They can also encourage their kids to stay in contact with their old friends through email and video conferencing, and by inviting their friends to visit the new place.