Gun-related injuries are the second leading cause of death for children and teens in the U.S., according to new research—but there are several promising strategies that can help reduce these deaths, experts say.
According to a February 12, 2019 article in The Trace, solutions that could save lives include storing guns safely; establishing laws that hold adults responsible when kids use their guns; offering therapy and mentorship to young people; and focusing deterrence efforts on those likely to commit shootings.
Deborah Azrael, director of research for the Harvard Injury Control Research Center at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, told The Trace that she thinks gun storage laws could nudge gun owners to make safer choices. “If you live in a place where the state is explicit and serious about securing firearms, that might lead you to lock up yours,” she said.
Read the article in The Trace: Saving Kids from Guns: The Most Promising Strategies, According to Experts
Learn more
High rate of gun ownership linked with more youth suicides (Harvard Chan School news)