Author(s): Everytown for Gun Safety
Published: June 2, 2022
Report Intro/Brief:
Firearm suicide is having a devastating impact on American youth. Over the past decade, the firearm suicide rate among young people has increased faster than among any other age group. Today, youth firearm suicide has reached its highest rate in more than 20 years. As students continue to navigate changes in school learning environments—a result of the ongoing challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic—there is concern that the anxiety and loneliness already felt by many young people will continue to increase. This comes at the same time as an unprecedented surge in gun sales in the US, raising concern about the already growing rates of firearm suicide.
But suicide, including firearm suicide, can be prevented. We know that removing access to firearms, a particularly lethal means, is the easiest and quickest intervention. We can save lives by implementing policies that limit easy and immediate access to firearms, increasing awareness of suicide risk factors, improving access to culturally appropriate mental health care, and supporting America’s youth.
Death by suicide is a significant public health problem that claims the lives of thousands of young people ages 10 to 24 in the US each year. The suicide rate among young people has increased almost every year since 2007 and is now at a near-record high. Over this same period, the homicide rate among young people has not increased annually, while adult suicide rates have increased at a slower rate.
There are multiple factors that can elevate the risk of suicide, and action must be taken to address the root causes. But one thing is clear: Reducing access to firearms can significantly reduce risk.”
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