PKSD Newsletter: Why Teaching Children About Gun Safety is a Good Idea

When so many Americans have guns (about one third), gun safety is a huge priority for everyone, including parents with children.

We cannot be with our children every minute of the day, so it is important to talk to them about gun safety, whether they are in the familiar environment of their own home or visiting a friend or family member.

In PKSD’s October newsletter, we talk about the importance of teaching your child about the dangers of guns and what they can do to keep themselves safe when they see one. Children have a natural curiosity about everything they see, including guns. They may have seen them used on TV and think they look fun or exciting to play with, not understanding the harm they could cause to themselves or someone they love.

Gun Accidents Among Children

It is a sad fact that most gun accidents happen at home and involve children. Approximately 19 children per day in the United States are fatally shot or wounded because of a gun accident.

These accidents are often the result of failing to safely store guns, which is why it is important to follow certain best practices to lower the risk of an accident:

• All firearms should be secured, in an unloaded state, and out of the reach of children and teens
• Ammunition should be stored and locked up separately, and children should not know where the key is – or be able to access it

Gun Safety When Hunting

As fall is the start of hunting season, hunters should make sure they understand the basics of gun safety when they go out hunting.

You should always treat a gun as if it is loaded. Check twice to make sure a gun is unloaded. Beginners should also take a hunting and gun safety course before using firearms.

You can read more of these and other tips, including how to talk to your children about gun safety, in PKSD’s latest newsletter. Working together, we can keep our children safer.