Child Firearm Injuries and Deaths Doubled During Pandemic, Particularly Among Black and Hispanic Youths

Research Indicates Increased Firearm Purchases and Socioeconomic Factors Likely Contribute to Surge in Firearm-Related Deaths and Injuries, Calls for Implementation of “Evidence-Based Policy Solutions” Intensify

• During the COVID-19 pandemic, pediatric emergency department visits for firearm injuries in the US doubled, with notable increases amongst Black and Hispanic children.
• Data collected from nine urban hospitals reveal an increase from 18 firearm-related visits every 30 days before the pandemic to 36 visits during the pandemic.
• Factors such as increased firearm purchasing during the pandemic, economic uncertainty, and heightened mental health concerns among children are believed to have contributed to the rise in firearm-related injuries.
• Nearly 1 in 8 children who died from a firearm homicide were exposed to intimate partner violence, highlighting a link between interpersonal violence homicide and firearms.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly advocates for evidence-based policy reforms, including safer firearm storage at home, counselling for children at risk, and the implementation of laws restricting child access to firearms.

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