A local youth advocate in Escambia County urges the community to engage children in productive activities this summer to combat increasing youth gun violence. Statistics show a 46% uptick in deaths among children and adolescents linked to firearms from 2019 to 2021, coupled with a rise in associated mental health issues including PTSD and anxiety.
Hassan Hills, leader of the nonprofit Youths Left Behind, points out that summer is a critical time when crime often escalates due to school being out. He encourages families to consider available resources and programs aimed at providing constructive outlets for youth, asserting, “The idle mind is a devil’s workshop.” With free services offering mentorship, sports, and more, Hills emphasizes the importance of active engagement to help steer young people away from violence and trauma.
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