Rising Youth Firearm Deaths: A Growing Crisis

Youth gun violence in the United States has dramatically increased in recent years, surpassing motor vehicle deaths as a leading cause of mortality for those aged 17 and younger beginning in 2020. This surge is accompanied by growing concerns about the mental health impacts on young people, both those directly affected by gun violence and those witnessing it. While recent data indicates a slight decline in firearm death rates from 2023 to 2024, rates remain elevated above pre-pandemic levels.

The Escalating Trend in Youth Firearm Deaths

From 2014 to 2024, nearly 22,000 children and adolescents died by firearm. Data from the KFF reveals a 68% increase in firearm deaths among this age group over the past decade. This increase was particularly pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic, with gun assaults being the primary driver of these fatalities, accounting for at least three out of five firearm deaths since 2020.

While the firearm death rate held steady at 3.5 per 100,000 children and adolescents from 2021 to 2023, it decreased to 3.0 in 2024, it remains higher than pre-pandemic levels. In 2022, there were 1,674 deaths due to gun assault, decreasing to 1,337 in 2024. Firearm suicides among youth also increased over the past decade, accounting for 31% of all firearm deaths in 2024.

Demographic Disparities in Firearm Deaths

Firearm death rates are not uniform across all demographics. In 2024, adolescents (ages 12-17) experienced a significantly higher rate (7.5 per 100,000) compared to younger children (0.6 per 100,000). KFF data also highlights disparities based on race and ethnicity, with Black and American Indian/Alaska Native youth experiencing firearm death rates of 10.0 and 6.8 per 100,000, respectively, compared to 1.9 per 100,000 for White youth. Males are also disproportionately affected, with a firearm death rate five times higher than that of females (5.0 vs. 1.0 per 100,000).

Notably, Black youth accounted for 46% of all youth firearm deaths in 2024, despite comprising only 14% of the U.S. Youth population.

Geographic Variations and Policy Implications

Firearm death rates vary considerably across states. The District of Columbia has the highest rate (10.1 per 100,000), while Massachusetts has the lowest (0.7 per 100,000). Many states with high rates are located in the South. From 2020 to 2024, the states with the highest firearm death rates among children and adolescents were the District of Columbia, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Most states experienced an increase in firearm death rates over the decade, with North Carolina and Mississippi seeing the largest increases (109% and 107%, respectively).

Recent policy changes are impacting gun violence prevention efforts. The dismantling of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, the establishment of a Second Amendment Section within the Department of Justice, and reductions in funding for programs under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) are raising concerns about the future of gun safety initiatives. The BSCA had allocated funds for Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) policies – often referred to as “red flag laws” – which have been linked to a reduction in suicide deaths, but the impact of funding reductions on these programs remains uncertain.

The Intersection of Gun Violence and Mental Health

The rise in youth gun violence is closely linked to adverse impacts on mental health and well-being. Exposure to gun violence, whether through direct involvement or witnessing events like school shootings, can have lasting psychological consequences. Estimates suggest that for every firearm fatality, there are at least two survivors of firearm injuries, all of whom may require mental health support. The Sentencing Project highlights the need for approaches that prioritize prevention and address the root causes of youth gun possession, rather than solely relying on punitive measures.

Looking Ahead

Addressing the crisis of youth firearm deaths requires a multifaceted approach that includes strengthening gun safety measures, expanding access to mental health resources, and addressing the social and economic factors that contribute to gun violence. Continued monitoring of data trends and evaluation of policy interventions are crucial to inform effective strategies for protecting the safety and well-being of young people.