For the first time ever, Black teen suicide by firearms is at rates greater than White teens.
For the first time in history, the rate of firearm-related suicides among Black teenagers exceeds that of their White counterparts. Researchers at John Hopkins University have uncovered recent data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that highlights a concerning trend in gun suicides. Suicide via firearm has reached an all-time high across all racial and cultural groups since the mid-1990s. Particularly striking is the substantial increase among Black teen suicide, that now leads all racial groups in using firearms for self-harm.
How did we get here?
Suicide is typically the result of a complex combination of numerous factors. Consequently, many health and law experts believe that the surge in firearm-related self-harm is the outcome of multiple factors. These factors include unprecedented levels of gun violence, the ready availability of firearms, and a pervasive sense of hopelessness, which is often exacerbated by the influence of social media. These elements likely contribute to the rising rates of suicide among Black teenagers.
A 2021 study from the University of Pennsylvania found that young individuals residing in areas with high levels of gun violence are more likely to seek emergency psychiatric care for conditions such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance ingestion. These visits are most frequent among children living within close proximity to recent shooting incidents. For these teenagers, the specter of life boils down to a simple duality, where one day they are here, and the next day they are gone.
Youth advocates in Philadelphia emphasize the importance of job programs and educational opportunities as sources of hope and motivation for these teens. Furthermore, they point out that despite the concentrated nature of homicides in specific neighborhoods, these communities do not receive the same level of support and resources as those seen in the aftermath of high-profile school shootings like Sandy Hook and Parkland. These communities deserve an influx of mental health resources and dedicated mental health professionals. Unfortunately, it appears that Black youth often remain unseen and underserved in this critical regard.
What can we do?
Addressing the problem of rising firearm-related suicides among Black teenagers is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. Here are three key actions that can help address this problem:
1. Mental Health and Community Support
- Increase access to mental health resources and services in communities heavily affected by gun violence and suicide. This includes providing culturally competent mental health care that acknowledges the unique challenges faced by Black adolescents.
2. Gun Control and Safety Measures
- Promote responsible gun ownership and storage practices to reduce the accessibility of firearms to individuals at risk of self-harm, especially adolescents. Encourage gun owners to securely store their firearms and to be aware of the signs of depression and suicidal thoughts in family members.
3. Investment in Education and Opportunity
- Target resources to underserved communities and schools, ensuring that students have access to quality education, after-school programs, and mentorship opportunities. Empowering young people through education can help break the cycle of hopelessness.