This year, there have been 43 reported incidents of toddlers, aged three and under, unintentionally discharging firearms. Alarmingly, in 31 of those cases, the child accidentally shot themselves.
Let’s take a moment to reflect on that.
Tragic Statistics
An article published recently highlighted that, in 2015 alone, 13 toddlers have tragically lost their lives to firearms, while 18 others sustained injuries, and an additional 10 harmed others. Two toddlers even caused the deaths of other individuals. These numbers only reflect incidents where toddlers were directly involved with the firearm, and the reality is even more concerning when we consider all gun-related fatalities among children.
Preschooler Fatalities vs. Law Enforcement
Nicholas Jones, in a recent opinion piece, pointed out that more preschoolers are shot and killed each year than police officers die in the line of duty. This claim, once met with skepticism, has been confirmed by fact-checkers who found that firearm fatalities among preschoolers have consistently surpassed those of law enforcement personnel since 2008.
Potential Solutions
The issue of toddlers gaining access to guns and the resulting tragic outcomes can be addressed. Implementing safe storage laws could significantly reduce these accidental shootings. Moreover, holding adults accountable for failing to securely store firearms could deter negligence. Currently, only a handful of states enforce laws that penalize adults if their unsecured guns lead to injuries or fatalities involving children. Why is this the case?
Shocking Data from Everytown Research
A report from Everytown Research indicated that between December 2012 and December 2013, at least 100 children were killed in unintentional shootings, averaging almost two fatalities every week. This figure is 61% higher than what federal data suggests. Jon S. Vernick, co-director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Policy and Research, has stated, “We know how many times children die each year due to gun violence, but we lack comprehensive data on how many times children pull the trigger and cause a fatality.”
Congressional Restrictions on Gun Research
For over 20 years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has faced restrictions from Congress preventing them from using funds to advocate for or promote gun control measures. The reason for this is largely attributed to the powerful lobbying efforts of gun rights organizations, which assert that more firearms lead to increased safety. However, the statistics contradict this assertion, especially in relation to children’s safety. After the tragic events in Newtown, Connecticut, President Barack Obama committed to supporting research into gun violence, yet Congress has failed to pass even basic background-check laws or fund the research initiatives he proposed.
The Need for Meaningful Regulations
It’s disheartening to see our children suffer due to Congress’s unwillingness to implement meaningful regulations for gun sales and promote safety measures. Interestingly, during the period from 1973 to 2012, the National Institutes of Health funded 89 grants for rabies research and 212 for cholera, yet only three grants were dedicated to studying firearm injuries.
Instead of seeking solutions or understanding the extent of our gun violence issue, the narrative often shifts to blaming parents or victims, suggesting they simply didn’t know how to properly handle or store a gun. This is a painful reality for families like that of a veteran who tragically lost her life to her toddler’s accidental shot while tending to her child.
Time for Action
If we truly trusted people to manage dangerous items responsibly, there would be no need for driver’s licenses, traffic laws, or even regulations concerning fire safety and substance use. Yet, in the realm of gun ownership, many staunchly oppose any form of regulation, viewing it as a violation of their rights. It’s high time we prioritize the safety of our children and take action.
A staggering 43 shootings by toddlers this year should ignite a sense of urgency and outrage. If that doesn’t resonate with you, I’m not sure what will.
Further Resources
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Conclusion
In summary, the alarming statistics on toddler shootings underscore the critical need for stronger gun safety measures. From legislative accountability to community awareness, we must act decisively to protect our most vulnerable citizens.