This week, as part of the Be SMART framework, a secure firearm storage educational program for adults to help keep kids safe, we’ll address a particularly devastating issue: youth firearm suicide.
Rural areas have higher firearm suicide rates across all age groups, including youth. I want to acknowledge that this may be particularly activating for some, especially for those who have been personally affected. If this topic feels too difficult to read, please take care of yourself: skip this article, reach out to someone you trust, or contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a free, confidential, 24/7 support line by calling or texting 988, or visiting 988lifeline.org/ chat.
R: Recognize the Role of Guns in Suicide
Many rural families have firearms for hunting, protection and rec-reation - it is a culture stemming from years of deep family tradition— and our community is no different. Unfortunately, we also see an increased risk of firearm suicide at all ages in rural areas, including youth firearm suicides, with numbers increasing annually. The data is clear, greater access to firearms increases the risk of firearm suicide at any age.
A 2024 CDC study found that 1 in 5 high school students seriously considered suicide in the past year. Recognizing warning signs, such as prolonged sadness, mood changes, hopelessness, or talk of self-harm, is critical. But not all youth who attempt suicide show signs of depression.
Adolescence is a time of intense and turbulent emotions. In a moment of crisis, like a break-up or a perceived failure, access to a fire- arm can be tragically decisive. Firearms are uniquely lethal: 90 percent of suicide attempts with a firearm result in death, compared to four percent with other methods.
In one study, 81 percent of youth firearm suicides occurred in the victim’s own home. In most cases, the gun was owned by a parent, followed by the victim or another relative. In the midst of a suicidal impulse, a person will use what they can access. A 2020 study showed a 60 percent increase in youth suicides by long gun during hunting season. The data is clear, secure firearm storage reduces the risk of youth suicide.
Right now, before summer begins, is a good time to look at your current secure storage method. As kids grow, they become more resourceful. While cable or trigger locks may prevent access by young children, a 2021 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics found that one in three teens, ages 13 to 17, said they could access a loaded firearm within five minutes, and half reported access within an hour. The study encourages parents in homes with firearms to talk to their teens about firearm access, especially if they believe their child cannot access a household gun.
If a child or someone else in your home is in crisis, you can consider temporarily storing firearms outside the home. If law enforcement or a local gun shop can not assist, you could ask a law-abiding, trusted friend or family member. Best practice is to unload the firearm, including the chamber, lock it, store ammunition locked separately, and do not share access information with the person storing it. This protects both your loved one in your home and the person storing your firearm.
Help Is Available If you or someone you know is struggling, the 988 Suicide and Crisis line is a 24/7, confidential, free resource you can access by calling or texting 988, or chatting at 988lifeline.org. This service connects you to someone who will listen and, if needed, help connect you to local resources. Veterans can dial 988, then press 1, or text 838255. Veterans do not need to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect.
Think of it this way: 911 is for medical emergencies, 988 is for mental health. And please, spread the word many people don’t know this resource exists.
