Trends in Adolescent Handgun Carrying in Florida
Recent research has highlighted a significant shift in the behavior of adolescents regarding handgun carrying in Florida. The study, published online on July 7, 2025, reveals that while the general rate of handgun carrying among teenagers has increased, there are notable declines in specific areas such as carrying handguns in schools and the ease of accessing these weapons.
General Handgun Carrying Among Adolescents
The data collected from the Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey between 2002 and 2022 involved 701,649 participants. Over this period, the overall rate of handgun carrying among adolescents rose by 65 percent, increasing from 3.7% to 6.0%. This upward trend was particularly pronounced among certain groups, including female students, middle-school students, and White students. These groups showed significantly higher odds of carrying handguns in 2022 compared to 2002, with female students having 3.04 times the odds, middle-school students 2.16 times, and White students 1.99 times.
Decline in Handgun Carrying in Schools
Despite the increase in general handgun carrying, the study found a substantial decrease in the number of adolescents carrying handguns in school settings. The rate of in-school handgun carrying dropped by 60 percent, from 1.1% to 0.4%. This decline was most evident among male and rural students, who experienced a 70% and 80% reduction in the likelihood of carrying a handgun in school, respectively.
Changing Attitudes and Access
In addition to behavioral changes, the study also examined attitudes toward handgun carrying in schools. There was a noticeable decline in favorable attitudes, with the percentage of students holding positive views on the subject decreasing from 3.0% to 2.2%. Similarly, the ease of accessing handguns among adolescents also saw a reduction, with the percentage of students reporting easy access dropping from 18.4% to 14.1%.
Implications for Prevention Efforts
The findings underscore the importance of targeted prevention strategies that address the unique risks associated with handgun access and carrying among different sociodemographic groups. The authors emphasize that some groups continue to report higher rates of handgun carrying and related beliefs, indicating the need for tailored interventions. These efforts should focus on educating adolescents about the dangers of gun violence and promoting safe practices around firearm ownership and use.
Conclusion
The study highlights a complex landscape of adolescent behavior regarding handguns in Florida. While overall carrying rates have increased, there are encouraging signs of reduced access and more negative attitudes towards carrying guns in schools. These trends suggest that targeted public health initiatives could play a crucial role in further reducing the risks associated with handgun carrying among young people. Continued monitoring and research will be essential to understand the long-term impacts of these changes and to develop effective strategies for ensuring the safety of all adolescents.
