Firearm-Related Injuries and Deaths in Children and Youth

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Injury Prevention

Background:

• Firearms are the leading cause of death for US youth aged 0-24.
• In 2020, firearms caused 10,197 deaths, with a fatality rate of 9.91 per 100,000 youth.
• Firearm access is linked to increased rates of youth suicide, homicide, and unintentional deaths.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the critical public health issue of firearm deaths among US youth.
• To emphasize the importance of reducing firearm access and promoting safe storage.
• To advocate for a multipronged approach involving various stakeholders to address the youth firearm crisis.

Main Methods:

• Review of firearm death statistics and associated risk factors.
• Analysis of the impact of firearm access on youth mortality.
• Examination of intervention strategies and legislative measures for firearm injury prevention.

Main Results:

• Firearms are the primary mechanism for pediatric suicides and homicides.
• Disparities in firearm injuries and deaths exist across demographic groups.
• Lethal means restriction, including secure firearm storage, is crucial for at-risk youth.

Conclusions:

• Intervention programs in healthcare and community settings can effectively screen and support individuals at risk.
• Anticipatory guidance and safety equipment provision enhance firearm safe storage.
• Strong state-level firearm legislation, such as licensing and extreme risk protection orders, is associated with reduced firearm injuries and deaths.