On March 12 of this year, a tragic incident unfolded in our nation as two young children lost their lives to gun violence. One was just seven years old, while the other was only a year old. On that same day, a 14-year-old was shot in the leg but managed to survive. These heartbreaking events did not involve violent criminals or tragic family disputes; rather, they were the result of siblings discovering unsecured firearms in their homes and accidentally discharging them. The 7-year-old from Lake Providence, LA, was shot by his 12-year-old brother, while the 1-year-old from Mobile, AL, died after his 2-year-old sibling found a gun in their parents’ bedroom.
The loss of these two children is permanent, and their siblings will carry the weight of this tragedy for the rest of their lives. Unfortunately, incidents like these are not rare. According to Everytown, unintentional shootings involving children occur every 34 hours on average.
Who is to Blame?
So, who is to blame? Can we hold that 12-year-old accountable? Certainly not a toddler. The responsibility to keep our children safe rests with us as parents. The common thread in these tragedies is the presence of easily accessible loaded firearms in the home.
No one believes such a tragedy will happen in their household, but it does—often, and to well-meaning parents who watch over their children and strive to provide a safe environment. These parents sometimes overestimate the safety of leaving firearms unsecured, believing that the chances of an intruder necessitating a weapon outweigh the risks of their children encountering the gun.
However, research indicates that the likelihood of children accidentally harming themselves or each other is statistically higher than that of a parent needing a firearm for self-defense, as discussed in “The Fallacy of Defensive Gun Ownership.” These may be law-abiding citizens who ensure their kids wear seatbelts and helmets, yet they fall victim to the misconception that their children will not find or mishandle a firearm.
My Stance on Firearm Safety
This risk is unacceptable to me. In a state where hunting is prevalent and gun ownership is common, I insist that firearms must be securely locked away if my child is to play at your home. I support hunting rights, and my son, a Boy Scout, is well-versed in safe shooting practices. But guns must be properly secured.
I understand that you might trust your 12-year-old to exercise gun safety, but I assure you that is not sufficient. Children are naturally curious and capable of hiding in the most unexpected places. You cannot guarantee that your firearms will remain undiscovered.
Moreover, even if my children are taught to avoid firearms, how can we be sure that a visiting child understands the risks? Kids often hide the truth to avoid getting into trouble—just like my 5-year-old who once denied sneaking cookies, despite clear evidence. Studies reveal that many children are aware of their parents’ firearms, with 73% of kids aged nine and under knowing their locations and 36% admitting to having handled them, even when parents believe their firearms are hidden away.
Taking Action for Safety
We must prioritize safety and take the necessary precautions to protect our children from potential dangers. Yes, there are many risks we cannot control—such as sending our kids to school or allowing them to participate in public activities. However, ensuring that my children only visit homes where firearms are securely stored is a proactive measure that is within my control.
A secure home should have guns stored unloaded in a locked safe, with children having no access to the combination or key. Ammunition should also be stored separately in a locked location. If you feel awkward bringing this topic up, resources like BeSMARTforKids.org can help guide conversations about gun safety. You can ask if firearms are locked away and verify that children cannot access them.
The statistics are alarming. Since the beginning of 2018, 52 children have been accidentally shot in America. I am determined to prevent my children from becoming numbers 53, 54, and 55. Giffords Law Center emphasizes that 89% of accidental shooting deaths among children occur at home, often when children are playing with unsecured firearms in their parents’ absence. This statistic should compel us to take action.
If your home is hosting my child, I appreciate the break you’re providing me, but I must insist that your firearms are stored securely. Your approach to snacks or screen time is secondary to the imperative that your guns are locked away. If they aren’t, then my children cannot visit.
Further Resources
For further information on proper firearm storage, you can check out Everytown.org for safety tips.
In addition, if you’re interested in topics related to home insemination, you might find our post on the home insemination kit helpful. For those looking to enhance fertility, fertility booster for men is a great resource. Lastly, if you’re considering assisted reproduction, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is an excellent option to explore.
Conclusion
In conclusion, securing firearms is an essential aspect of ensuring child safety. We cannot afford to overlook the risks associated with unsecured guns in homes, and it is our duty as parents to take the necessary precautions to protect our children.
Leave a Reply