Recent data has shown that guns have been the primary cause of death for children in the United States over the past few years. According to a New York Times report, there were 2,571 children aged 1 to 17 who lost their lives in shootings in 2021, a significant increase from the 1,531 deaths reported in 2000.
To address this concerning trend and reduce firearm-related fatalities among children, Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona issued a call to action for school and district administrators to engage with parents and guardians in discussions about safe firearm storage practices.
As experts in the field of gun injury prevention and leaders of the ARMS Center for Gun Injury Prevention at the University of Connecticut, we spoke with The Conversation to provide insights on effective ways to keep guns out of reach for children. Here are some key tips:
1. Safely store all firearms
A recent survey indicated that while nearly half of all households in the U.S. own firearms, only about 40% of gun owners store all of their firearms when not in use. Unsecured firearms have been associated with various tragedies, including suicides, domestic violence, and accidental shootings.
2. Avoid relying on hiding spots
Children often know where to find hidden items, including firearms. It’s essential for adults to understand that kids may have knowledge of where firearms are stored even if they claim otherwise.
3. Store ammunition separately
Research demonstrates that storing ammunition separately from firearms can significantly reduce the risk of gun-related injuries in homes with children and adolescents.
4. Encourage conversations about firearm safety
Parents should initiate discussions about firearm safety, even if they do not own guns, to instill the importance of gun safety practices when children are in other households or unsupervised settings.
5. Understand the legal requirements
Twenty-seven states have secure storage laws in place, emphasizing the importance of adhering to legal guidelines around firearm storage and preventing unauthorized access by children.
6. Invest in secure gun storage devices
Consider investing in quality gun safes, trigger locks, or other locking devices to ensure firearms are securely stored and inaccessible to children. These devices can help mitigate the risk of gun injuries and fatalities.
By promoting a culture of gun safety and responsible storage practices, families, schools, and communities can work together to protect children from the leading cause of death in the country.
