Alarming Rise in Toddler-Involved Firearm Incidents

This year has already seen a staggering 43 incidents involving toddlers aged three or younger accidentally discharging firearms, according to a recent report from The Washington Post. Alarmingly, in 31 of these cases, the child found the gun and unintentionally shot themselves.

Let that digest for a moment.

Unsettling Statistics

The article is straightforwardly titled, “People are getting shot by toddlers on a weekly basis this year.” It reveals some unsettling facts: “In 2015, 13 toddlers have accidentally taken their own lives with guns. Additionally, 18 have injured themselves, 10 have harmed others, and 2 have fatally shot other individuals.”

These figures only reflect cases where toddlers were directly handling guns. The reality is even more alarming when considering all gun-related fatalities involving children. Nicholas Kristoff pointed out in a New York Times opinion piece that more preschoolers face fatal shootings each year than police officers do in the line of duty. This claim has been substantiated by Politifact, confirming that firearm deaths among preschoolers have surpassed those of law enforcement officers consistently since 2008.

Preventable Tragedies

The situation surrounding toddlers gaining access to firearms and causing harm is preventable. Implementing safe storage laws could significantly reduce these tragic accidents. Moreover, holding adults accountable for not securely storing their guns could also help. Shockingly, fewer than 20 states have passed laws that make adults criminally liable if their unsecured firearms are accessed by children, resulting in injuries or fatalities. Why is this the case?

According to data compiled by Everytown Research, at least 100 children died in unintentional shootings between December 2012 and December 2013—nearly two per week, which is 61% higher than federal records indicate. “We know how many times children die each year from gun-related incidents,” Jon S. Vernick, co-director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Policy and Research, noted back in 2014. “However, we lack data on how often children pull the trigger and result in a death.”

Congressional Inaction

For two decades, Congress has barred the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from using its funds to advocate for or promote gun control. This restriction is largely due to the lobbying influence of the NRA, whose primary argument is that more firearms equate to greater safety. Yet, statistics consistently debunk this notion, especially in relation to children’s safety. Following the tragic events in Newtown, Connecticut, President Barack Obama expressed his intention to take executive actions to fund research on gun violence. However, Congress has repeatedly resisted even basic background-check legislation, effectively stifling Obama’s research initiatives.

Our children are suffering due to Congress’s unwillingness to enact significant regulations on gun sales and safety. In fact, we’ve restricted the study of pertinent statistics on gun-related deaths. Kristoff highlighted the disparity: between 1973 and 2012, the National Institutes of Health funded 89 research grants on rabies, 212 on cholera, and only three on firearm injuries.

A Heartbreaking Narrative

Rather than taking steps to address our gun issue or establish laws that promote gun safety, parents and victims are often blamed for supposedly not knowing how to handle firearms responsibly. It’s a heartbreaking narrative, especially for families like that of a veteran who tragically lost her life due to a shooting by her toddler while changing a diaper.

If we could genuinely trust individuals to manage dangerous items that have the potential to take lives, we wouldn’t need regulations for driving, fire safety, or alcohol consumption. Yet, when it comes to guns, many staunchly defend their right against any form of regulation. We must do better for our children.

If the fact that 43 toddlers have accidentally shot someone this year doesn’t leave you shocked and distressed, I’m not sure what will.

Call to Action

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In summary, the alarming number of toddler-involved shootings this year highlights a significant issue around gun safety and regulation. Urgent action is needed to prevent further tragedies and protect our children.