By Dr. Andria Tatem, Pediatric Partners
More than 4.5 million children in the United States live in a home with at least one firearm that is both loaded and unlocked, according to the 2021 National Firearm Survey. Some children as young as 2 have the strength to pull a trigger, which means an unsecured firearm can lead to tragedy in seconds.
Firearms continue to be a leading cause of death among U.S. children, according to federal health statistics. Having a gun in the home increases the risk of accidental shootings, suicide, and homicide. The safest choice is not to keep a gun at home. But if you do, there are steps you can take to protect your child and others.
Safe Gun Storage: Your First Line of Defense
Hiding a gun isn’t enough to keep children safe. Kids are naturally curious, and research from the American Academy of Pediatrics shows that most children know where the family gun is kept.
Safe Storage Recommendations:
- Keep guns unloaded when not in use.
- Keep firearms in a secure gun storage device. Do not use a drawer or closet.
- Store ammunition separately from firearms in a secure gun storage device.
- Use trigger locks for extra security.
- Keep keys and combinations private. Never share them with children.
Ask About Guns in Other Homes
More than one-third of accidental shootings happen at a friend’s, neighbor’s, or relative’s house, according to the AAP. Before your child visits another home, ask if there are guns in the house and how they’re stored. It might feel awkward to ask this question, but it could save a life.
Talk to Your Kids About Gun Safety
Don’t assume your child knows what to do if they find a gun. Have a clear conversation about what they should do if they see one.
- Never touch a gun.
- Walk away immediately.
- Tell an adult right away.
Also, remind them that gun violence in movies, TV, and video games isn’t real. In real life, guns can cause serious injury or death.
If you have questions about gun safety or want to learn more about protecting your family, talk to your child’s pediatrician at your next visit.
