1,676 children were killed by guns in 2022 in the US. This includes children under the age of 18 who were killed by homicide, suicide, and unintentional shootings. The number of children killed by guns has been increasing in recent years, and it is now the leading cause of death for children in the United States. (Gun Violence Archive, a nonprofit that tracks gun violence)
Total guns related death on the upswing
Total firearms death by state. Led by Texas, California and Florida.
The number of firearm deaths in the US increased by 8% or 3,608 deaths from 2020 to a total of 48,830 in 2021.
Guns play a significant role in youth violence. They are used in 46% of adolescent suicides and 93% of adolescent homicides — the second and third highest causes of death for kids ages 14 to 17.
Is it preventable? If you listen to your state legislator and Congressman – NO!
Takeaway:
Regardless of which party you lean, as a pediatrician, even one death of a child due to gun violence is preventable and hence UNACCEPTABLE. If you care about your child or grandkid’s life, send a message to our lawmakers.
Vote and make them listen.
The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.
