Firearm-Related Death and Injury among Children and Adolescents

Author: Fingerhut, Lois A. / Christoffel, Katherine Kaufer
Publication: The Future of Children
Topics: Age Group Ethnicity Gender U.S./National
Keywords: Injuries Weapons firearm-related death guns mortality rate
Bibliographic information +

The authors review the incidence of injury and death due to firearms among Americans younger than 20 years. Using National Vital Statistics System and Firearm Injury Surveillance System (FISS), the authors examine the trends of gun-related death and injury. Since 1993, death rates for this age group have declined, but remain high compared historical rates in the US and other developed countries. The impact risk is highest on Black teenage males, but various groups of minority youth, boys, and residents outside the Northeast are also at risk.