Adolescent suicide by firearm imposes devastating losses to families and society, killing more than 1000 10- to 19-year-old children and adolescents annually in the United States. Youth suicide rates between 1999 and 2014 have tripled for 10- to 14-year-olds and increased by 50% for 15- to 24-year-old youth.1 This preventable injury is still a leading cause of death in this age group.2
Household firearms create a suicide (and homicide) risk to all children and adults in a home.3 Given the much higher relative risk to individuals with mental health conditions and substance abuse disorders,4 a focus on families with high-risk adolescents merits top priority.