Gun-inflicted fatalities have alarmingly increased among the youth, with high schoolers aged 14 to 18 facing an elevated risk compared to younger children, according to a new study from Washington State University.
Firearm-Related Deaths Overtake Motor Vehicle Collision Fatalities
The research highlights that firearms have overtaken motor vehicle collisions as the leading cause of death for youth aged 11 to 18. This shift is particularly stark, as firearm deaths spiked from 1,945 in 2001 to 3,224 in 2022.
The study, led by Elizabeth Weybright, associate professor at Washington State University, divides children and adolescents into separate categories to better understand developmental risks, reports KUOW. This approach reveals that the risks associated with firearm deaths differ significantly between age groups, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions.
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Weybright and her team used federal data from 2001 to 2022 to explore trends in gun deaths across diverse settings.
Urban vs. Rural Trends in High Schooler Gun Deaths
The data shows firearms are the primary cause of mortality for urban high schoolers, while rural areas still see motor vehicle collisions leading, though with a decreasing trend in contrast to rising firearm deaths.
Homicides have surged by over 127% since 2013 among urban high schoolers, whereas the increase in firearm-related homicides among rural high schoolers has surpassed 362% since 2001. Despite these figures, suicide remains the leading cause of firearm deaths in rural areas.
The research underscores the critical need for tailored firearm safety guidance that considers the distinct developmental stages of children and adolescents. Weybright advocates for a more comprehensive approach, particularly in rural communities experiencing significant increases in firearm-related homicides.
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