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Youth

Florida Adolescents Increasingly Carrying Handguns, But Fewer in School

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Florida teens have seen a significant rise in carrying handguns over the past two decades, with an increase from 3.7% in 2002 to 6% in 2022, a 65% increase. However, this surge has not translated to schools, with a decrease in handgun carrying in schools from 1.1% to 0.4%, a 60% decline. Female and middle school students have shown significant increases in carrying handguns, but the study's authors stress the need for tailored prevention strategies and support for rural and male adolescents across racial and ethnic identities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The prevalence of youth carrying handguns in Florida rose from 3.7% in 2002 to 6% in 2022, a 65% increase, according to a 20-year study published in Pediatrics.
  • The carrying of handguns in schools decreased by 60% from 1.1% to 0.4% between 2002 and 2022.
  • The increase in handgun carrying was more pronounced among female and middle school students, with significant decreases in both groups in school-based carrying.
  • The study's authors suggest that the decrease in school carrying may be attributed to increased media coverage of school shooting incidents highlighting the repercussions of guns in schools.
  • The authors recommend tailoring prevention strategies to target female and middle school students, as well as providing support to rural and male adolescents across racial and ethnic identities.
  • The study analyzed data from 701,649 surveys submitted as part of the Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey, which polls Florida middle and high school students annually on various topics, including substance abuse and behaviors.

Statistics:

  • 65% increase in the prevalence of youth carrying handguns in Florida between 2002 and 2022, from 3.7% to 6%.
  • 6% of Florida teens reported carrying handguns in 2022, according to the study.
  • 0.4% of teens reported carrying handguns in school in 2022, a 60% decrease from the 1.1% reported in 2002.
  • The increase in handgun carrying was more pronounced among middle school students, with a 70% increase in handgun carrying between 2002 and 2022.
  • The study found a significant decrease in teens who reported being able to access or carry handguns in school, from 1.4% to 0.5%.

Sources:

  • "Trends in Carrying Handguns Among Florida Adolescents: 2002-2022," a 20-year study published in the August 2025 Pediatrics.
  • Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey
  • American Academy of Pediatrics, an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists, and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety, and well-being of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.

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