New research has highlighted a concerning connection between child suicides and parental gun storage practices in the United States.
The study found that for children aged 10 to 17, guns used in suicides are 10 times more likely to be owned by parents who store them unlocked and loaded.
While the research has not been peer-reviewed, it aligns with previous studies on the topic.
Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among adolescents in the United States. It ranks as the second leading cause for children aged 10 to 14 and the third for those aged 15 to 19.
The research underscores the prevalent use of guns by young people in such tragic circumstances.
These findings emphasize the critical need for safe gun storage practices to protect children and reduce the risk of suicid