Research presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics 2025 conference reveals that most youth firearm suicides involve firearms belonging to parents, with alarming rates of insecure storage. A study found that the vast majority of children and teens ages 10-17 who died by firearm suicide used a firearm owned by their parent, and frequently the weapon had been stored unlocked and accessible.
The findings underscore the critical connection between secure firearm storage and suicide prevention among youth. The research demonstrates that access to a firearm during a suicidal crisis substantially increases the risk of death by suicide, as firearms are highly lethal and provide little opportunity for intervention or reconsideration.
Suicide remains a leading cause of death among adolescents and young adults in the United States. Public health data indicates that firearms are used in a significant portion of youth suicides, and that the presence of an unlocked, accessible firearm in the home—particularly one belonging to a parent—creates a critical risk factor.
Mental health professionals and researchers emphasize that secure storage serves as an effective means of preventing impulsive suicide attempts. Studies show that most individuals who survive suicide attempts—including those who survive firearm attempts—do not go on to attempt suicide again, highlighting the importance of preventing access during crisis periods.
The research provides evidence supporting the effectiveness of parental education and safe storage requirements, particularly targeting households where adolescents or young adults may experience mental health challenges or suicidal ideation. Healthcare providers, schools, and community organizations have opportunities to counsel parents about the suicide prevention benefits of secure storage.
Public health experts note that secure storage—keeping firearms locked, unloaded, with ammunition stored separately—represents one of the most effective evidence-based strategies for preventing youth firearm suicides and should be integrated into comprehensive suicide prevention programs.