Gun violence prevention: know the warning signs
When a child or teen is in crisis, it’s dangerous for them to have access to a gun because they may use it to harm themselves or others. By knowing the warning signs to look for, you can take action to prevent that from happening. By securely storing guns and/or temporarily removing someone’s access to guns when they’re in crisis can give them the time and space they need to get help.
Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free 24/7 support.
Signs that someone may be in crisis and intend to harm themselves or others may include:
- Loss of interest in school or social activities
- Aggressive, angry, or impulsive behavior
- Conflicts with classmates or other acquaintances, including bullying
- Prolonged periods of social isolation or loneliness
- Expressing feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, guilt, or self-hatred
- Using substances like alcohol or drugs
- Mentioning (or bragging) that they have access to a gun
- Expressing violent thoughts or plans (spoken, written, with gestures, or through art)
Behaving in one of these ways, either in person or on social media, doesn’t necessarily mean someone is in crisis. Kids and teens sometimes face stressful situations, and they may have trouble processing their emotions in healthy ways. But if you notice any signs that a child or teen may be in crisis, take action right away. Start by making sure they don’t have access to a gun.
27% of gun deaths among children and teens (ages 1-17) were from gun suicide.
Source: Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions
What to do if you see signs that someone may be in crisis
You’re more likely to notice behavior changes in young people you know well, so have regular, open conversations with the children and teens in your life. This builds strong relationships while also making it more likely that they will come to you for help when they are struggling. If you think someone may be in crisis, don’t wait.
Act immediately, and make sure they don’t have access to a gun. You could save that child’s life or the lives of others.
- If you’re able to have a conversation with the child, encourage them to talk about what’s going on, and listen with empathy. Let them know you are there for them.
- Contact school officials about your concerns.
- If you suspect that someone in your home is in crisis, it’s critical to make sure they do not have access to a gun. If you have guns around, consider arranging for temporary off-site storage. Search the web to find secure gun storage facilities near you.
- Check if extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs) are a resource in your state by searching online or visiting the National EPRO Resource Center link below.
- Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free 24/7 support.
82% of Americans agree with temporarily restricting gun access to anyone at high risk of harming themselves or others.
Source: Ad Council Research Institute Issue Pulse Survey, 2023
Secure gun storage matters
75% of youth gun suicides where the gun storage method could be identified involved a gun that was stored unlocked and loaded—and 76% of school shooters under 18 used a gun they found at home or in the home of a friend or relative.
Sources: Rand, U.S. Secret Service
