Gun Control Reform Activism

Suicide is one of the 3 leading causes of death for 13- to 19-year-olds in the United States. An average of 4 American teenagers commit suicide every day.

Does a gun in the home increase the chance of suicide? YES!

• In states where there are more guns, more people commit suicide.
• Studies have shown that the risk of suicide is 4 to 10 times higher in homes with guns than in those without.
• If the gun is a handgun or is stored loaded or unlocked, the risk of suicide is even higher.

Does it matter how a person tries to commit suicide? YES!

• Suicide attempts with a gun are very likely to be deadly.
• Suicide attempts with drugs or methods other than guns have a greater chance of survival.

It is best to not have any guns in homes where children or teenagers live.

If there is a gun:

• Keep it unloaded and locked up or with a trigger lock. Store the bullets in a different place that is also locked.
• Do not let teens have a key to the places where guns and bullets are stored.
• If a teen becomes depressed or has severe mood swings, store the gun outside the home for the time being.