Kids and Guns

Kids and Guns Safety

If you choose to keep a gun in the home where a child lives or may visit, it is imperative that the following safety rules be followed:

• Always keep kids and guns separated. Guns must be locked up and out of the reach of children.
• Take ammunition out of guns and lock it up in a place different from where you keep the locked guns.
• Do not keep the keys to locked guns and ammunition where a child can find them.
• Do not keep the keys with other household keys.
• Make sure all guns have trigger locks.

Talk about Guns

Kids and guns just do not mix. Children are not only at risk for being killed or injured by guns in their own home. Children may encounter guns in the home of friends as well. If your child will be visiting in someone’s home, ask the parent if there are loaded or unlocked guns in the house. Make sure you talk to your children about the dangers of guns and what to do if they encounter a situation with a gun. Children should be aware of the following safety rules:

• Never touch or play with a gun.
• Leave the area if a gun is found to avoid being injured by someone else.
• Tell an adult immediately if a gun has been found.
• Tell an adult immediately if you suspect or become aware that another child has a gun.
• If you hear gunfire, duck and hide away from the windows.
• Discuss with children the difference between pretend violence on television and in video games and real violence.

School Violence

School violence has become a major American concern. Statistics show that more and more children feel unsafe while attending school. Incidents of guns being brought to school by students are becoming startlingly common. Parents and educators need to address the issue of school violence with children at every age. Parents should research the school district’s policy for controlling school violence and the possession of guns. Although there are very few laws regarding children’s access to guns, 18 states have passed CAP laws that hold gun owners criminally responsible if a minor accesses their unsecured gun and injures himself or someone else. These states have seen a decrease in gun incidents among children. Parents can write to their state representative to ask for such laws to be adopted by their state.

Media Violence

More and more every day, children are being exposed to media violence: violence depicted on television or video games. Many experts believe children who are exposed to such violence are much more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior. Some experts also believe children who are exposed to such violence become desensitized to it and do not understand its consequences. Parents may want to consider limiting a child’s exposure to media violence to prevent these possible outcomes.