American Academy of Pediatrics, May 22, 2023 – (Abstract) Limiting firearm access is essential to decreasing teen suicide. Previous efforts have focused on household firearms; however, less is know about firearm access and possession among teens at increased suicide risk. Our objective was to estimate prevalence of firearm possession and access among high school-aged teens with recent depression and/or lifetime history of suicidality (DLHS).
The research finds that high school-aged teens experiencing recent depression and/or lifetime history of suicidality (DLHS) have higher perceived firearm access compared with lower-risk peers. Providers should speak directly to high school-aged teens at increased suicide risk about firearm access, in addition to counseling parents.
Safe Storage is a critical tool that can keep youth safe. Learn more about Safe Storage here.
