On March 12 of this year, a tragic event unfolded when two young children lost their lives due to gun-related accidents. One was merely seven years old, while the other was just a year old. That same day, a 14-year-old was injured in the leg but survived. What’s heartbreaking is that none of these incidents involved violent criminals or tragic family disputes; instead, these children were shot by their own siblings who stumbled upon unsecured firearms at home. In Lake Providence, LA, a 12-year-old brother accidentally shot his seven-year-old sibling, while in Mobile, AL, a two-year-old found a gun in his parents’ bedroom and accidentally discharged it, resulting in the death of his one-year-old brother.
Two innocent lives are lost forever, and their siblings will carry the weight of this tragedy with them always. Unfortunately, such occurrences are not uncommon. According to Everytown, a nonprofit focused on gun safety, accidental shootings involving children happen approximately every 34 hours in the United States.
Who is to Blame?
So, who is to blame for these tragedies? Can we hold a 12-year-old accountable? Of course not. We must look at ourselves as parents. It is our responsibility to ensure the safety of our children. The common thread in these stories is the presence of accessible, loaded firearms in the home.
Many believe, “It won’t happen to us,” but the reality is different. Even responsible parents who love and watch over their children can experience this tragedy. They often weigh the perceived risks of having unsecured firearms against the likelihood of needing them for self-defense. However, studies indicate that the risk of children accidentally harming themselves or others is significantly higher than the chance of needing a firearm for protection.
These are typically law-abiding citizens who ensure their kids wear seat belts and helmets, who prepare healthy meals and assist with homework. Yet, due to the misguided belief that their children won’t find the gun or will behave safely around it, they end up facing the unimaginable.
A Personal Stance
This is a risk I refuse to take. Living in a state where hunting is a cherished tradition, I firmly believe that if you want my child to play at your home, your firearms must be securely locked away. I am not against hunting; my family enjoys meat, and my son, who is a Boy Scout, practices safe shooting and archery. But it is imperative to properly secure your weapons.
It doesn’t matter if you believe your 12-year-old understands gun safety. That’s commendable, but it’s not enough. Many kids are adept at finding places to hide, and even if your child knows not to touch a gun, what about their friends or neighbors who may not have the same understanding?
Children can be dishonest when they fear getting in trouble. For example, my five-year-old once denied sneaking cookies even when evidence was clear. Research from Giffords Law Center shows that many children know where their parents store firearms, and a concerning number admit to handling them even when parents believe otherwise.
Taking Precautions
Kids are naturally curious and sometimes reckless, making it crucial to take every precaution to keep them safe. While we can’t eliminate all risks from our lives—like sending our kids to school or letting them ride in cars—we can control who they play with and the environments they are in. This is one way I can protect my children.
In a gun-safe home, firearms should be stored unloaded in a locked safe, with children having no access to the key or code. Ammunition should also be stored separately and securely. If you need guidance on verifying a home is gun-safe, BeSMARTforKids.org offers helpful tips and questions to ensure your child’s safety.
The Statistics
Statistics are sobering. Since the beginning of 2023, 52 children in America have been accidentally shot. I refuse to let my kids become numbers 53, 54, or 55. Giffords Law Center reports that 89% of accidental shooting deaths among children occur in their own homes when they are playing with an unsecured weapon. That’s a staggering statistic that should prompt immediate action.
A Non-Negotiable Request
If your child is coming over to play, I appreciate the break you are giving me, and I’m thankful. It doesn’t matter what snacks you provide or how you manage screen time. But one thing is non-negotiable: your guns must be securely locked away, or my kids simply can’t play.
For more information on safe gun storage, visit Everytown.org for valuable tips.
Conclusion
In summary, securing firearms is not just a personal responsibility; it is a community imperative. Every parent should take this issue seriously to ensure a safer environment for all children.
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