But most youth killings are not gang-related and gun laws are more restrictive now than 30 years ago: According to the 1968 Gun Control Act, a firearm could be purchased via mail. Even a child could purchase a rifle or shotgun this way by lying about his/her age. Anyone could walk into a gun store and buy a firearm. But nowadays one has to be 18 years old for being allowed to purchase a shotgun or rifle. And one has to be 21 years of age to buy another kind of firearm that is different to a rifle or shotgun. People who break these laws have to be aware that they can be imprisoned up to 10 years. .
There are not more households that have guns today where underage murderers might have easier access to guns by theft (from their parents) or burglary. In "Gallup's survey- of the year 1958/59 it was found out that 49% of American homes had a gun and in 1990 the University of Pittsburgh reported 40% of American homes possessed a weapon. .
So the problem must be caused by something else than gun laws or gangs. The first and worst problem probably are careless parents or the lack of them.
Today the structure and valuation of a family has changed. Many boys have limited contact with their fathers or they do not even have a father to turn to. The father normally is the most important role model for a male child or teenager. With the absence of this role model (as a person or just as the missing of a "good- father) the boys automatically search for another role model, e.g. older teenagers, gangster rappers, action heroes of film stars like in "Terminator-. All these role models represent masculinity dealing with violent power or by sexually degrading women. Instead of a father who should teach them that aggression is not the right solution for frustration the young teenagers develop a tendency towards rage and meanness. These boys are not taught to control their temper, to avoid confrontations and to treat others with respect.