Youth Safety Strategies: Insights from the Firearm Safety Conference

Overview

As firearm injuries continue to claim lives, particularly among children and teenagers, it is crucial for experts, legislators, advocacy groups, and youth voices to collaborate in identifying and advancing strategies that protect young people and strengthen communities. On June 6, 2025, the fourth annual Firearm Injury Prevention and Safety conference convened to address the public health challenge of firearm injuries in the United States.

Sponsored by the Firearm Injury Prevention and Safety (FIPS) program of the Baker Institute Center for Health Policy, the conference’s goal was to generate actionable recommendations and initiatives. Through expert panels, research presentations, and policy discussions, attendees gained insights into the latest data-driven approaches to firearm injury prevention and safety. The conference highlighted evidence-based policies, community-led interventions, and advancements in public health strategies designed to reduce firearm-related harm.

Key Takeaways

• Preventing Firearm Suicides: The suicide rate using firearms continues to rise, notably among younger people. While panelists advocated for hospital-based interventions, they also highlighted the progress that can be made beyond medical settings, particularly through safe storage strategies and school-based reforms. Given the lack of funding for school psychologists, they called for more counselors in schools and peer-centered mental health programs. 
   
• Innovating Violence Intervention: Worsening community violence rates have set the stage for novel approaches to violence intervention. By leveraging a combination of hospital-based and grassroots community resources, interventions can be maximized before, during, and after these events. Experts supported this approach with personal narratives and promising preliminary data. 
   
• Addressing Interpersonal Violence: Firearms are often used in violence between people, and victims may face a range of social barriers that make it harder for them to get help. By understanding the tactics involved, the relevant legislation, and the available community resources, advocates are better equipped to address this key driver of firearm violence. 
   
• Elevating Youth Voices: Youth perspectives should be included when shaping policy in this area, as they provide fresh insights. The new generation values mentorship and is eager to connect with others and empower their peers. 
   
• Navigating Texas Gun Policy: State legislators Rep. Vikki Goodwin (District 47, Texas House) and Sen. Molly Cook (District 15, Texas Senate) shared their personal experiences and organizational strategies to advance gun policy in the Texas Legislature. They also offered constituents guidance on remaining steadfast and organized while navigating the current political landscape.

Next Steps and Policy Recommendations

These policy recommendations are drawn from the discussion of the five panels:

1. Provide stronger support for mental wellness in schools through increased counselors and peer mentoring. 
    
2. Foster collaboration between community violence experts and professional stakeholders to address future challenges in violence prevention programming, structure, and funding. 
    
3. Reframe conversations about interpersonal violence around early education and prevention rather than intervention. 
    
4. Integrate youth perspectives in policy change discussions alongside other stakeholders. 
    
5. Engage proactively with the state legislature on pivotal firearm policy bills, being early, organized, and intentional.

Conclusion

A collaborative, community-based approach to these priorities can begin to move the needle on firearm related injuries. Through a collective focus on harm reduction, firearm injury can be prevented.

Acknowledgment

Ongoing provision of the firearm injury prevention program is only possible through the support of key partners. A special thank you to gold sponsor Memorial Hermann Hospital System, bronze sponsor UTHealth Houston, and event sponsors Harris Health and Texas Doctors for Social Responsibility.

This publication was produced on behalf of Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. Wherever feasible, the material was reviewed by external experts prior to release. Any errors are the responsibility of the author(s) alone.

This material may be quoted or reproduced without prior permission, provided appropriate credit is given to the author(s) and Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. The views expressed herein are those of the individual author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy.