The alarming surge in child gun deaths

For decades, gun violence in America has been framed “as a battle to be won rather than a problem to be solved,” in the words of a poignant New York Times op-ed by Nicholas Kristof, who argues that we should acknowledge the blunt reality that guns aren’t going away. Therefore, he writes, it’s time to “bypass the culture wars and try a harm-reduction model familiar from public health efforts to reduce deaths from other dangerous products such as cars and cigarettes.”

The current combative public debate has been accompanied by devastating increases in gun violence, particularly for the youngest members of our society. According to an October 2023 study published in Pediatrics, between 2011 and 2021, gun deaths among Americans under the age of 18 surged by 87%, making gun violence the leading cause of death for American children. In stark contrast, there has been an overall steady decline of child deaths from motor vehicle fatalities, with a 51% reduction from 1999 through 2020, showcasing the potential for effective interventions when society’s most confounding issues are treated through a public health lens.

The stark reality of gun violence

The reality of gun violence in America is stark and sobering. Gun homicides, including mass shootings, community violence, and police-involved shootings, are universal threats. However, in Black and Brown communities, gun violence is compounded by issues of racial justice. This disparity underscores the urgent need to address gun violence not only as a public health crisis but also as a racial justice issue.

Addressing racial inequities in gun violence

The impact of gun violence is not evenly distributed across all communities. For example, from 2018 to 2022, “the rate of firearm deaths doubled among Black youth and increased by 73% among Hispanic youth,” while the increase among White youth was relatively minor. The trauma from such exposure can lead to adverse psychological effects, impacting educational outcomes and overall well-being.

The prevalence of firearms in homes

A disturbing factor contributing to this epidemic is the prevalence of firearms in homes. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, nearly 5 million children live in households with loaded, unlocked firearms. More than half of gun owners admit to storing at least one firearm unsafely. This negligence significantly contributes to gun-related tragedies involving children.

Suicide by firearm has been increasing in children and adolescents in recent years. Over 80% of child suicides involve a gun obtained from their own home or that of a friend or relative, and the suicide rate among children in homes with firearms is four times higher than in those without firearms. Additionally, most unintentional gun shootings among children occur in or around the home, and most guns used in school shootings by minors are acquired from their own homes or those of relatives or friends.

The viral nature of violence

Violence acts like a virus, spreading through communities and invading the safety of schools, churches, movie theaters, parks, front stoops, and homes. Unlocked and loaded guns left accessible to children and teens have exacerbated the epidemic of gun violence in our country. With more weapons than people in the United States by an estimated 100 million, we must learn to live safely with them. Regardless of personal views on gun ownership, we can all find common ground in creating safe spaces for our children and teens.

Preventing firearm-involved deaths

Reducing young people’s access to unlocked and loaded firearms can prevent firearm-involved deaths. Gun-owning parents can help by storing all firearms securely, such as in a locked gun safe or with a trigger or cable lock, and ensuring they are unloaded and inaccessible to children and teens. The responsibility lies with adults to childproof their guns.

Shifting the perspective: from battle to problem-solving

So how can we shift the perspective on gun violence from a battle of opposing opinions to a problem to be solved? This transition requires confronting uncomfortable truths about the scale of gun violence in America and recognizing the role of easy access to firearms in perpetuating this crisis. It involves making difficult choices, such as balancing individual rights with collective safety and implementing evidence-based policies that may face political resistance.

Acknowledging that the right to bear arms comes with societal responsibilities is essential; gun owners must be encouraged to practice responsible ownership and secure storage. Prioritizing the safety and well-being of children is crucial, necessitating measures to reduce their access to firearms and address the trauma experienced in communities affected by gun violence.

Viewing this issue through a public health lens rather than solely from a law enforcement perspective allows for a focus on prevention rather than punishment. It emphasizes the importance of utilizing data and research to inform strategies, addressing root causes and risk factors, and fostering collaboration among health care professionals, educators, community leaders, and law enforcement. This comprehensive approach can lead to more effective and sustainable solutions to the epidemic of gun violence.

The role of nurses in gun violence prevention

Nurses, as trusted health care professionals, are uniquely positioned to make a significant impact in the fight against gun violence. They can engage in patient education and counseling, discussing gun safety with families, especially those with children or individuals at risk for self-harm. By providing information on proper gun storage, the use of gun locks, and separating ammunition from firearms, nurses can help reduce the risk of gun-related incidents.

Nurses can also play a critical role in risk assessment, screening patients for factors associated with gun violence, such as mental health issues, substance abuse, or domestic violence. Early intervention and referral to appropriate resources can prevent potential tragedies. Additionally, nurses can advocate for evidence-based gun safety policies at local, state, and national levels, supporting measures like background checks, child access prevention laws, and increased funding for gun violence research.

A call to action for nurses

Nurses must take an active role in this public health crisis. By participating in community education programs, advocating for workplace safety, providing trauma-informed care, and contributing to research efforts, nurses can help shape a future where children are free to grow and thrive without the constant threat of gun violence. Public awareness campaigns and youth engagement initiatives led by nurses can further amplify the message of gun safety and violence prevention.

Collaborative solutions

To address the epidemic of gun violence, we must engage in open dialogue and collaborative problem-solving. Policymakers, community leaders, educators, and families must work together to implement common-sense solutions, such as universal background checks, safe storage laws, and community-based violence prevention programs. These measures, grounded in evidence and empathy, can save lives and create a safer environment for future generations.

A future without the threat of gun violence

Earlier this summer, the U.S. surgeon general, Dr. Vivek Murthy, issued an advisory declaring gun violence a public health emergency. The epidemic of gun violence in America, particularly among children, demands a public health approach. By addressing the root causes and implementing evidence-based solutions, we can create a safer environment for future generations. The time for action is now, and the responsibility lies with all of us, including nurses, to ensure that our children can live safely, without the threat of gun violence.

By treating gun violence as a problem to be solved, rather than a battle to be won, we can move toward a future where children are free to grow and thrive without the constant threat of gun violence. It is a future where we honor the lives lost by taking meaningful action to protect those still with us.

Robin Cogan, MEd, RN, NCSN, FNASN, FAAN, is in her 24th year as a nurse in the Camden City (New Jersey) school district. The New Jersey State School Nurses Association director to the National Association of School Nurses, she is also a Johnson & Johnson School Health Leadership Fellow and past program mentor. Robin teaches in the school nurse certificate program at Rutgers University-Camden School of Nursing, and writes a blog called The Relentless School Nurse. Email: robin.cogan@rutgers.edu.

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