Each year, an estimated 3,000 youth commit suicide with firearms; 1,000 murder victims each year are under age 19; and at least 400 unintentional firearm fatalities occur annually among children. Firearm deaths are among the most preventable of childhood fatalities. Research suggests that firearm injuries to children are largely a problem of the proliferation of handguns and an acceptance of handgun violence in American culture where children are introduced to firearms as toys, the media widely portray and report violence involving firearms, and guns are often viewed as an easy solution to conflict. The handgun violence problem has become a concern of professionals, organizations, and the public, who support stricter gun control laws. Consequently, it is urged that greater attention be given to the 1981 Surgeon General's report calling for a total ban on handgun sales, that handguns be removed from homes with children, that firearms in the home be kept locked up, and that greater authority for the regulation of firearm safety standards be legislated. In addition, policies regarding firearm safety and education should be developed, school curricula should incorporate facts on firearms, and access to firearms should be made a major public health concern. Tables, figures, news clips, and 32 references.