Firearm Death and Injury: Understanding the Impact, Promoting Safety, and Resources for Parents, Providers, and Community Leaders

Reviewed by Mohsen Saidinejad, MD, MS, MBA and Ian Kodish, MD, PhD

In 2022, firearm deaths in the United States topped 48,000, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That’s at least 132 people dying from a firearm-related injury each day.

Firearm-related deaths and injuries impact children and adults alike. In fact, it is now the leading cause of death among children and adolescents ages 1-19.

The profound impact of such violence on kids’ mental health is undeniable, potentially causing lasting trauma. Parents, clinicians, and community leaders all play pivotal roles in addressing this issue. Engaging in open and compassionate conversations with children is essential, offering them a safe space to express their fears and anxieties. Clinicians must be vigilant in recognizing signs of trauma in children exposed to firearm violence and ensure they have access to appropriate mental health support, safety counseling and resources.

Acknowledging the impact of this violence, the Pediatric Pandemic Network collated a list of resources to assist parents, providers, and community leaders addressing violence and firearm related trauma in kids. These resources are designed to promote safety and offer guidance on how to handle this pressing issue.

For Parents & Caregivers:

AAP: Childhood Exposure to Violence

AAP: How to Talk With Kids About Tragedies & Other Traumatic News Events

NCTSN: Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth After a Recent Shooting

Sesame Workshop: Community Violence

AAP: Guns in the Home: How to Keep Kids Safe

For Providers:

Don’t Forget the Bubbles: Adolescent Trauma

AAP: Preventing Gun Violence in the Lives of Children and Teens

AACAP: Resource Library on Guns and Violence

APA:How to talk to your patients about firearm safety

Lethal Means Safety Counseling for Providers: