Gun Safety Lowers Risk of
Unintended Shootings by Children

By JENNIFER CIPRIANO
Jennifer Cipriano

Many families keep a gun in the home. In fact, roughly a third of U.S. households with children ages 17 and younger have a gun in the home. 

Unfortunately, children sometimes access guns and unintended shootings occur that can lead to serious injury and even death. 

The Hard Facts

  • Nearly 2 million children live in a home with an unlocked, loaded gun.
  • In 2019, there were 241 unintended shootings by children, which caused more than 100 deaths and nearly 150 injuries.
  • Adolescents are at a higher risk for suicide when there is a gun in the home.
  • Young toddlers are capable of finding unlocked guns in the home and may be strong enough to pull the trigger.
  • Unintentional shootings happen to children of all ages.

The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that the safest home for children and teens is one without guns. However, if you decide to keep a gun in the home, extra precautions need to be taken.

Store Guns and Ammunition Safely

  • All guns in your home should be stored locked and unloaded, out of reach and sight of children.
  • Ammunition should be stored and locked separately.
  • Make sure gunlocks are child resistant and that keys and combinations are hidden.
  • When a gun is not being stored, it should be on your person and in your immediate control.

Visitors and Guns in Other Homes

  • Ask anyone visiting your home if they have a gun and if they are not carrying it on their person, provide them a locked place to hold it while they are in your home.
  • Add this question to your playdate checklist: “Is there an unlocked gun out in the open in your home?” Just as you would ask about allergies, pets and supervision for your child, ask this one more important question. If the answer is yes, reconsider allowing your child to play there or have a conversation about safely storing guns. 

Educate Your Kids and Their Caregivers

  • Teach children to never touch a gun and if they see one to tell an adult immediately.
  • Explain that guns seen on TV and in video games are different from a gun in real life.
  • Talk to family members and caregivers of friends your children visit about safe gun storage practices. 

Other Considerations

  • If a family member or loved one in the home is depressed, suicidal or is abusing alcohol or drugs, consider removing all firearms from your home.
  • If you decide you would like to dispose of a gun, do so in a safe way by contacting local law enforcement for instructions.

Together, we can help reduce the number of preventable injuries and deaths from unintentional shootings. Your actions and preventative practices can help save lives. You can help make a difference!

Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics,
Safe Kids Worldwide & Kids Health from Nemours

About the Author

Jennifer Cipriano, MSN Ed., RN, CMSRN, is the Trauma Continuum of Care Coordinator for Lakeland Regional Health and is a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician.

Share: