New research conducted by Duke University found that certain gun laws, such as safe storage laws and mandatory waiting periods, can help prevent firearm suicides among children and teenagers. Lead researcher Dr. Krista Haines emphasized the importance of these laws in reducing the risk of suicide deaths among youth, as firearms are the leading cause of death in this age group.
The study looked at 36 different gun laws across all 50 states to determine their effectiveness in reducing suicide and homicide rates among children and teens. It was found that child access prevention laws, safe storage laws, and mandatory waiting periods were successful in decreasing the rate of suicides among youth.
In contrast, stand-your-ground laws were found to increase the risk of suicide among children and teens. The Surgeon General also declared gun violence a public health crisis, highlighting the need for a public health approach to address the issue. Firearms are responsible for a significant number of deaths in the U.S., with more than 48,000 people dying from gun violence in 2022.
The researchers analyzed CDC data on over 17,000 child gun-related deaths that occurred between 2009 and 2020, revealing that handguns were predominantly used in youth homicides and suicides. Moving forward, the researchers at Duke University are collaborating with pediatric doctors to develop educational interventions related to safe storage practices for gun-owning families in Texas.
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