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Firearms are a leading cause of death in children. Between 1979 and 2001, over 93,000 children have died as a result of gunshot wounds. This includes both accidental and intentional injuries. Deaths resulting from firearms for children in the US under 15 years-old are 12 times higher than in 25 other industrialized countries combined.

More than 40 percent of American households with children have guns. In many of these homes, the guns are stored loaded and within the reach of a child.

Children seem to get a general idea of what guns are before they can even speak. Children under 10 are not capable of understanding that guns can kill. There is no clear answer as to whether or not toy guns are harmful to a child’s recognition of fantasy or reality. Some gun owners feel that children should not play with toy guns and should be taught that guns are not toys, while others feel that it isn’t a problem. Parents should decide on their own whether or not they want their child to play with toy guns. Toy guns for older children can be dangerous because some of the toys look like real guns.

The best way to prevent your child from being shot accidentally, of course, is to not have a gun in your home. 

Whether or not you own a gun please remember:

Guns should be stored unloaded and locked up. Just because you have the gun hidden, don’t assume that your child doesn’t know where it is. Remember that other adults may have guns in their homes. Speak with the parents of your children's friends to find out if they keep a gun at home. If they do own a gun that is not locked up, urge them to lock it up.

Lock and store bullets in a separate location. Children have been killed playing with guns that they thought were empty, but had one bullet left in the chamber.  Ask police for advice on safe storage and gun locks.

Talk to your child about gun safety. Tell your child that if he or she sees a gun they should stop, not touch the gun, immediately leave the area where the gun is, and tell an adult. Teach them that guns are not toys and that if a friend wants to show them a gun it is not tattling to tell an adult because it can prevent an accident.  

If you own a gun or have found one in your home and want to get rid of it, call your local police station, but don’t call an emergency line to do so.  The weapon will be checked to make sure that it was not used in a crime and then it will be destroyed.

Even if you feel that owning a gun is your right as a citizen of the US, your duty to your child is to protect him or her. Teach your child gun safety and don’t assume that they will already know not to play with one if they come in contact with a gun.