Raising legal age for handgun sales to 21 linked to fewer adolescent suicides

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-07/b-rla072120.php

News Release 22-Jul-2020
BMJ


Restricting the sale of handguns to those aged 21 or older is associated with a reduction in suicide rates among adolescents in the United States, finds a study published by The BMJ today.

The researchers estimate that hundreds of suicides could be prevented every year in the US if the 33 states where 18 year olds can still buy handguns raised the age limit to 21 years.

Suicide rates have been increasing in the US, particularly among adolescents, with firearms accounting for more than half of these deaths.

•••••