New Study: Young People are Experiencing Increased Levels of Gun Violence, Disproportionate Impact on Black Children and Teens Widens

A new study was released today in Pediatrics Journal by top pediatricians about the trends of firearm deaths among children and teens in the United States over the past 20 years. The study highlights that the rate of youth firearm deaths has increased since 2001 and that the racial inequities in gun violence between white and Black youth are widening.

2021 was one of the deadliest years on record for the United States. Children and teens bear the brunt of gun violence in their schools, homes, and communities. According to an Everytown Support Fund analysis of CDC data, more than 3,500 children and teens are shot and killed every year and another 15,000 are shot and wounded. The rate of gun deaths for children aged 5 to 14 years old increased 50 percent from 2019 to 2020.

“The findings in this research are deeply disturbing,” said Sarah Burd-Sharps, senior director of research at Everytown Support Fund.“Behind each of these numbers are lives, families and communities that are forever impacted. This research should serve as a roadmap for community leaders, lawmakers, and others working to end gun violence in our country.”

The study also stresses a comprehensive public health approach to reduce the burden of firearm injuries and deaths on children and teens in the United States. The authors recommend a combination of public education for parents, clinical interventions from pediatricians, and legislative advocacy for policies such as secure storage in order to prevent gun violence. 
Toplines of the article include: 

• In 2019, firearm injuries passed motor vehicle accidents to become the leading cause of death for youth ages 0-19 years in the United States. 
• Between 2001-2019, the firearm death rate among youth increased by 14%, driven by increases in firearm homicides and suicides. 
• Black youth had a firearm death rate over four times higher than that of white youth and a firearm homicide rate over 14 times higher than white youth. 
• The disparity in firearm mortality between Black and white youth has widened since 2013. For each additional year after 2013, the mortality rate for Black youth increased by 0.55 deaths per 100,000 compared to white youth.