Teenagers are more likely to carry guns if they’ve experienced violence, had suicidal thoughts or used illegal drugs or alcohol, according to a new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The study found that one in 15 males and one in 50 females reported carrying a gun at least one day in the previous 12 months for a reason other than hunting or sport. Thirty-eight percent of those who reported carrying firearms said they did so six or more days in the prior year.

The study was based on the CDC’s 2017 and 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Surveys of high school students. The rate of gun carrying was comparable between the two years analyzed.

Boys who were threatened or injured by a weapon on school property were about five times more likely to carry a gun, while girls in the same category were more than eight times more likely to carry a firearm, the study found.

Teens who said they seriously considered suicide were about twice as likely to carry a gun, while those who attempted to kill themselves were more than three times more likely.

Binge drinking (three times), marijuana use (four times) and prescription drug abuse (five times) also were associated with higher rates of gun carrying among teen boys.

Among males, gun carrying was most common in Black students at 10.6%, followed by Hispanic (7.2%) and white (6.1%). Among females, Hispanics were the most likely to report carrying a firearm (3.5%), followed by Black (2%) and White (1.1%).

The CDC says understanding youth gun carrying and associated outcomes can help prevent suicides and homicides, the second and third leading causes of deaths among 14- to 17-year-olds.

Guns are involved in 46% of teen suicides and 93% of homicides, according to CDC data.

“These findings suggest that a substantial proportion of high school students, particularly those who have experienced violence, suicidal ideation or attempts, or who engage in substance use, carry guns outside the context of hunting or sport,” the study says. “Some studies have found that counseling and education with provision of safety devices can promote safer firearm storage behaviors in the home and that child access prevention laws are associated with reductions in risk for firearm suicide, unintentional firearm injuries, and gun carrying among children and youths.”

But the paper’s authors say more research is needed to identify strategies for preventing youth gun carrying. 

The CDC says it has released technical information to states and communities that demonstrates the effectiveness of programs, policies and practices aimed at reducing violence. Those steps include connecting teens with adults and activities and teaching coping and problem-solving skills.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, or text HOME to 741741 for support from the Crisis Text Line. You can also call or text 988.