In the United States, the tragic reality is that unsecured firearms in homes lead to devastating accidents. On March 12 of this year, a heartbreaking incident occurred where two young children—one just seven years old and the other only one—lost their lives due to accidental shootings. A 14-year-old was also shot but survived. These incidents were not the result of violent crime or parental malice; rather, they stemmed from unsecured guns that children were able to access. The 7-year-old in Louisiana was accidentally shot by his older brother, while the one-year-old in Alabama was killed when his two-year-old sibling found a gun in their parents’ bedroom.
The aftermath of such tragedies is profound. While the siblings who survived these incidents must grapple with their guilt, we must ask ourselves—who is responsible for ensuring children’s safety? The answer lies with us, the parents.
Unsecured firearms are a common risk in many households. Many parents believe that it won’t happen to them, that their kids won’t find the guns or that they understand the dangers of firearms. However, statistics reveal a different story. According to Everytown, unintentional shootings involving children occur every 34 hours in the United States. This is not an isolated problem; it is an ongoing and alarming reality.
The misconception that older children, like a 12-year-old, can safely handle or know the risks associated with firearms is dangerous. Additionally, we cannot rely on the assumption that toddlers or younger kids will not touch a gun. Research by Giffords Law Center shows that a significant number of children are aware of the locations of firearms in their homes, with 73% of children aged nine and under reporting knowledge of where their parents’ guns are kept, and 36% admitting to handling them.
Children are naturally curious and often test boundaries, which is why it is essential to take proper precautions. Many parents strive to create a safe environment for their children, but it is crucial to extend that safety to the homes where they play. For us, ensuring that firearms are securely stored is non-negotiable. In a place where hunting is popular, it is imperative that any guns in the home are locked away, unloaded, and inaccessible to children.
If you’re unsure how to approach the subject of gun safety with other parents, resources like BeSMARTforKids.org provide helpful guidance. You can ask questions such as, “Are your firearms stored in a locked place that children cannot access?” and verify that children do not know the access codes or keys.
Statistics reveal that 89% of accidental shooting deaths among children occur in their own homes, primarily when they are playing with unsecured firearms. This statistic should serve as a wake-up call to all of us.
As parents, we have the power to create safe environments for our children. While we cannot control every aspect of their lives—such as school safety or the potential for danger in public spaces—we can choose where they play. If your home does not adhere to strict firearm safety protocols, I cannot allow my children to visit.
In summary, the responsibility to keep our children safe lies in our hands. Guns must always be stored in a locked safe, separate from ammunition, and out of reach of children. By ensuring that firearms are secured, we contribute to a safer community for all our children.
For more information on proper gun storage and safety, check out Everytown.org for essential tips.