Kids and Guns

The best way to keep your child or teen safe from gun injury or death, is to never have a gun in your home, especially not a handgun.

How can I keep my child safe from gun injury?

• Hide the keys to the locked firearm and ammunition storage boxes.


• If your friends or family keep a firearm, urge them to keep it locked and unloaded.


• Only parents should know the location of the gun storage.


• Check with your local police for advice about safe storage and gun locks.


• When handling or cleaning a gun, never leave it unattended, not even for a moment.


• Teach your children never to touch guns. Make sure they know that guns can be dangerous.


• Talk with your kids about the risk of firearm injury outside the home, in places they may visit or play.


• Do you know which of your children's friends have guns in their homes? Your child might�and might even know where they are kept.


• Talk with your children about guns and violence and about the differences between TV and video game violence and real life violence.