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Youth

Trends in Handgun Carrying Among Florida Adolescents: A 20-Year Study

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Aurora, Colorado - Researchers at the University of Colorado have conducted a 20-year study on handgun carrying trends among Florida adolescents. The study, published in the journal Pediatrics, found that general handgun carrying among Florida adolescents increased by 65% between 2002 and 2022, while handgun carrying in school decreased by 60% over the same period. The research suggests that specific sociodemographic groups contribute to these changes, and prevention strategies should be tailored to address these disparities.

Key Takeaways:

  • General handgun carrying among Florida adolescents increased by 65% between 2002 and 2022, from 3.7% to 6.0%.
  • Handgun carrying in school decreased by 60% over the same period, from 1.1% to 0.4%.
  • Female, middle school, and white students contributed substantially to the increase in general handgun carrying, with 3.04, 2.16, and 1.99 higher odds of carrying in 2022 than 2002, respectively.
  • Male and rural students contributed substantially to the decrease in odds of handgun carrying in school, with 70% and 80% decreases, respectively.
  • Odds of favorable attitudes toward handgun carrying in school decreased by 29%, from 3.0% to 2.2%.
  • Ease of handgun access decreased in odds by 27%, from 18.4% to 14.1%.
  • Prevention strategies addressing the risk of handgun carrying and access should be tailored to diverse sociodemographic groups.

Statistics:

  • 65% increase in general handgun carrying among Florida adolescents between 2002 and 2022.
  • 60% decrease in handgun carrying in school over the same period.
  • 3.04, 2.16, and 1.99 higher odds of carrying handguns in 2022 for female, middle school, and white students, respectively.
  • 70% and 80% decreases in odds of handgun carrying in school for male and rural students, respectively.
  • 29% decrease in odds of favorable attitudes toward handgun carrying in school.
  • 27% decrease in odds of ease of handgun access.

Sources:

  • Trends In Carrying Handguns Among Florida Adolescents: 2002-2022. Pediatrics, 2025;156(2).
  • Amer Acad Pediatrics. 345 Park Boulevard, Itasca, Il, United States.
  • Erin Wright-Kelly, University of Colorado, Injury & Violence Prevent Ctr, Anschutz Medical Campus, 3001 E 17TH Pl, Aurora, CO 80045, United States.
  • NewsRx. Recent Findings from University of Colorado Has Provided New Information about Pediatrics (Trends In Carrying Handguns Among Florida Adolescents: 2002-2022). Pediatrics Week. November 1, 2025; p 409.

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