Study finds parents open to firearms discussion from doctors
A new study shows parents support firearm safety talks during hospitalizations for youth suicides, stressing secure storage and distribution of firearm locks.
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Firearms are now the leading cause of death among children in the United States, accounting for over half of youth suicides. As the number of hospitalizations for pediatric suicidal ideation or attempts (SI/SA) rises, new research presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 2024 National Conference & Exhibition in Orlando underscores the importance of safe firearm storage in preventing youth suicides.
The study, "Caregiver Perspectives on Firearm Safety Guidance for Children Hospitalized for Suicidal Ideation or Attempt," surveyed caregivers of children aged 8 to 21 admitted to a Houston children’s hospital for SI/SA. Researchers found that while parents overwhelmingly support health care teams discussing firearm safety, many households are still not following recommended storage practices. The findings highlight the urgent need for in-hospital firearm storage counseling and the distribution of firearm locks to families during these critical moments.
Of the 120 caregivers approached between June 2023 and March 2024, 84 participated in the survey. Among these caregivers, 29% were firearm owners, 64% were non-owners, and 7% chose not to disclose their firearm ownership status. Notably, only 46% of all caregivers reported being asked about the presence of home firearms by their healthcare team, even though 96% agreed it was important for their child’s hospital team to inquire about firearm ownership. Furthermore, 96% of caregivers believed that counseling on safe firearm storage was essential, and 87% felt it was important for hospitals to distribute firearm locks.
“The health and safety of children are the top priority for pediatricians,” said Taylor Rosenbaum, MD, MA, lead author of the study. “Previous studies confirm that firearm secure storage can decrease the risk of youth suicide and that pediatricians’ discussions with families can increase the likelihood of firearm secure storage practices.”
Despite widespread support for firearm counseling, the study revealed gaps in the secure storage of firearms. Among firearm-owning caregivers, 21% admitted that their firearms were not stored securely, posing a significant risk to children. This finding is consistent with previous research linking improper firearm storage to increased youth suicide rates.
The study also found differences between firearm owners and non-owners in their attitudes toward hospital-based interventions. While both groups recognized the importance of firearm safety, firearm non-owners were more likely to think distributing firearm locks was “very important” (74% vs. 67%). Demographically, non-owners were more likely to speak Spanish and identify as Hispanic or another race.
“As a result of our recent efforts, we have also confirmed that parents of children hospitalized for suicidal thoughts or actions want to have firearm secure storage discussions with their healthcare team during the hospitalization and benefited from a free firearm lock,” said Rosenbaum. “This insight gives pediatricians actionable ways to make a positive difference in the safety of these children.”
The study’s findings come at a critical time, as pediatricians increasingly find themselves on the frontlines of youth suicide prevention. While more work needs to be done to ensure that all families receive firearm safety counseling, the data suggests that hospitals have a unique opportunity to intervene by providing both guidance and practical tools—such as firearm locks—that can help prevent tragedies.
This ongoing research, conducted at a Houston-based quaternary children’s hospital, continues to explore caregiver perspectives on firearm safety and offers valuable insights for healthcare providers nationwide. With firearms now the leading cause of death among US children, the need for secure storage counseling and interventions has never been more urgent.
