Firearms Remain Leading Cause of Death Among U.S. Youth
A recent report from the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions highlights a persistent and alarming trend: for the third consecutive year, firearms are the leading cause of death among U.S. children and teenagers, surpassing motor vehicle accidents and cancer.
Key Findings:
• Overall Gun Deaths: In 2022, the United States recorded 48,204 firearm-related deaths, marking the second-highest number on record. This total includes 27,032 suicides, the highest number ever documented in the country.
• Youth Mortality Rates: Among individuals aged 1 to 17, firearm death rates have increased by 106% since 2013. Since 2020, guns have remained the leading cause of death in this age group.
• Racial Disparities: The data reveals significant racial disparities in firearm-related deaths:
• Black Children and Teens: In 2022, Black youths aged 1 to 17 experienced a gun death rate 18 times higher than their white counterparts. The gun homicide rate in this group increased by 5.6% from 2021 to 2022.
• Suicide Rates Among Black Adolescents: Notably, gun suicide rates among Black individuals aged 15 to 19 rose sharply by 24% year-over-year, surpassing the rates among white teens in the same age range for the first time.
Recommendations:
To address this escalating crisis, the report advocates for the implementation and strengthening of Child Access Prevention (CAP) laws. Currently, over half of U.S. states have regulations requiring secure firearm storage in households with minors. Enhancing these laws and ensuring their enforcement could play a crucial role in reducing youth access to firearms, thereby mitigating both accidental and intentional shootings among children and teenagers.
Conclusion:
The persistent rise in firearm-related deaths among U.S. youth, particularly within Black communities, underscores an urgent need for comprehensive, evidence-based policy interventions. Addressing this public health crisis requires a concerted effort to implement effective gun safety measures, promote secure firearm storage, and tackle the underlying social determinants contributing to gun violence.