Shocking Spike: States That Loosened Gun Laws Now See More Children Dying from Bullets

A chilling new study has revealed that child gun deaths have spiked in U.S. states that loosened firearm laws—raising urgent questions about how policy changes are putting young lives at serious risk. The data is clear: when states roll back restrictions, more kids are dying from gun violence, and the impact is growing year after year.

What the Study Says

The study, published in the journal Pediatrics, found that states with more relaxed gun laws saw significantly higher rates of gun-related deaths among children and teens. This included homicides, suicides, and accidental shootings involving minors.

Key findings include:

• Gun deaths among children increased by over 40% in states that weakened gun safety laws.

• Youth suicide rates using firearms also rose, especially in rural areas.

• States that enacted stricter gun control measures saw either flat or declining rates of child gun deaths.

The researchers looked at gun policy changes between 2010 and 2022, tracking how they affected child mortality linked to firearms. Their conclusion was straightforward: looser gun laws are costing young lives.

Real Impact on Families

Experts and pediatricians say these numbers aren’t just statistics—they reflect real families shattered by gun violence. Whether it’s a school shooting, a tragic accident at home, or a teen suicide, these events are increasingly tied to easy access to guns.

Dr. Rebecca Cunningham, one of the authors, said, “When states lower restrictions on gun ownership or allow permitless carry, we often see a measurable rise in child gun deaths within just a few years.”

Why Gun Policy Matters

The study sends a strong message: policy decisions have life-and-death consequences.

Some key changes that led to spikes in youth gun deaths include:

• Permitless carry laws (allowing people to carry concealed weapons without a permit)

• “Stand your ground” expansions

• Reducing age restrictions for gun purchases or ownership

• Eliminating background check requirements

On the other hand, red flag laws, safe storage laws, and mandatory background checks have been shown to reduce youth gun injuries and fatalities.

What Can Be Done?

Health professionals, child safety advocates, and even some law enforcement leaders are urging states to reconsider rolling back safety regulations.

They recommend:

• Promoting safe gun storage in homes

• Improving background checks

• Raising awareness among parents and gun owners

• Investing in youth mental health programs to prevent suicides

The American Academy of Pediatrics called the findings “deeply alarming” and warned that without urgent action, the crisis will only worsen.