Rising Statistics
Firearm-related deaths among children and teenagers have sharply increased by 50% since 2019, with firearms becoming the leading cause of death for American youth for the third consecutive year in 2023.
The reported 2,581 firearm-related deaths among those aged 17 and under in 2023, highlighting a national rate of nearly four gun deaths per 100,000 children.
Policy Responses and Community Impact
Advocates emphasize the importance of safe storage laws, which regulate how firearms are stored to prevent youth access, as a key policy measure to combat rising gun violence among young people.
The surge in youth gun deaths affects not only families but entire communities, creating long-lasting impacts and hindering healing processes, as noted by public health experts.