Section Menu

Gun safety: Why it matters and how to practice it

Firearms are now the leading cause of death for children and teens under 18 in the U.S. That’s why gun safety is a critical issue for individuals, families and communities. Keeping firearms unsecured at home significantly raises the risk of unintentional shootings, suicides and homicides. By handling and storing guns safely, accidents can be prevented, and lives can be saved. Whether you're an experienced gun owner or a beginner, following gun safety guidelines is essential. It not only helps protect loved ones but also promotes responsible firearm ownership, making the community safer for everyone.

Unintentional shootings and gun injuries

Unintentional shootings can happen to children of all ages but are most common among high schoolers (14 to 17) and preschoolers (5 and under). These incidents often happen at home, usually when a child is playing with or showing a gun to others. Most children find the firearm in a nightstand or bedroom.

Suicide and homicide risks

Kids and teens are at a higher risk for suicide if there is a gun in the home, especially if it is unsecured or they know how to access it. In the past decade, 40% of children and teen suicides involved guns. Nine out of 10 of these suicides were with guns found in the child’s own home or a relative's home. The risk of homicide is three times higher when there are guns in the home.

How to keep kids safe

Gun safety starts with safe storage and smart habits. Firearms should always be properly secured and used safely. Talk with your children about the dangers of guns and how to be safe if they come across one. Following important gun safety rules from the American Academy of Pediatrics can help reduce the risk of injury:

Safe storage

  • Always lock up guns to keep them safe from unauthorized access and theft.
    • Safe gun storage can help prevent suicides. Guns used in suicides are often unlocked, loaded or stored with accessible ammunition. Studies show that when someone is thinking about suicide, the extra step of having to unlock a gun can make them pause and sometimes change their mind.
  • Store and lock ammunition separately from the firearm.
  • Never “hide” a gun, even in high and out-of-reach places. Curious children can still find them, leading to tragedies that could have been prevented.
  • Secure guns when not in use. A gun cable lock is a simple and inexpensive way to safely secure a firearm. Other options include combination safes, biometric safes or locking cabinets. Make sure children cannot get the key or code. Never leave loaded, unlocked guns in the car or anywhere on your property.
  • Watch this video to learn how to use a gun cable lock.

Gun safety rules

  • Handle all guns as if they are loaded.
  • Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
  • Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot.
  • Be sure of your target and what is behind it.
  • Always keep the gun unloaded when not in use.
  • Use correct ammunition.
  • Use your gun’s safety mechanism, but don’t rely on it – it can still fail.
  • Never handle firearms if you’re using alcohol or drugs.

Talk to children about guns

Remind your kids that if they ever come across a gun, they must stay away from it and tell an adult immediately.

Tips for young children:

  • Talk about gun safety like other safety topics.
  • Keep it simple: “If you see a gun, don’t touch it. Tell an adult right away.”
  • Tell them not to touch a gun, even if it looks like a toy.
  • Make sure they know they won’t get into trouble for telling an adult they’ve seen a gun.
  • Repeat this message regularly.

Tips for teens:

  • Include gun safety in conversations about other risks, like drugs, alcohol and drunk driving.
  • Tell them to leave any situation where a gun is not safely secured.
  • Remind them not to trust a friend who says a gun is unloaded or safe.
  • Help your teen come up with ways to leave if a gun is nearby. (i.e., “Mom just texted me. I have to get home now.”)
  • Encourage them to ask about guns in homes they visit and offer to ask for your teen if they’re uncomfortable.

Tips for all ages:

  • Talk about gun safety often, just like other important safety topics.
  • Make sure they understand that any situation with a gun is dangerous.
  • Remember, talking about guns is a precaution, not a guarantee of safety.

Keeping your kids safe in other homes

Before your child visits another home, ask the adult about safety issues like pets, allergies and who will be watching the kids. Add one more question: "Is there an unlocked gun in your house?" If the answer is yes, consider not letting your child go, or talk to the adult about keeping their guns unloaded and locked.