Homicide & suicide are the second & third leading causes of death among people under age 21 in the USA. 16-19-year-olds have the highest rate of handgun victimization among all age groups. The firearm suicide rate for white males is over 4 times higher than that for African American males whereas the homicide rate is over 9 times higher for African American males. Possible strategies are presented for reducing firearm deaths among children & adolescents. (50 refs.)