Parenting
Secure Your Firearms or My Kids Can’t Play
by Emily Carter
Updated: March 31, 2023
Originally Published: March 31, 2023
Photo by Loren Elliott / Getty Images
On March 12 of this year, two young children tragically lost their lives due to gun accidents. One was just seven years old, while the other was only a year old. On the same day, a 14-year-old was shot in the leg but fortunately survived. These incidents weren’t caused by violent criminals or tragic family disputes; instead, 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 was killed when his 2-year-old sibling found a gun in their parents’ bedroom.
Two innocent lives are lost forever, and their surviving siblings will carry the weight of this tragedy for the rest of their lives. Sadly, the occurrence of such accidents is not rare. According to Everytown, unintentional shootings involving children happen, on average, every 34 hours in the United States.
Who is to Blame?
So, who is to blame? Can we hold a 12-year-old accountable? Certainly, we cannot blame a toddler. The responsibility lies with us—parents and guardians. The common factor in these tragic situations? Access to loaded firearms in the home.
No one believes it will happen to them, yet it does, even to loving parents who diligently watch over their children. These parents often convince themselves that the benefits of having unsecured firearms outweigh the risks. They think the chances of an intruder needing to be confronted with a weapon are higher than the likelihood of their own children finding a firearm and accidentally hurting themselves or others.
However, as outlined in “The Myth Behind Defensive Gun Ownership,” the reality is that children are far more likely to harm themselves or each other than parents are to use firearms for self-defense. These parents might be responsible in other areas of their children’s lives—ensuring seat belts are fastened, providing nutritious meals, and attending every baseball practice. Yet, the naive belief that their children “won’t find the gun” or “won’t shoot it” can lead to devastating consequences.
A Personal Stance
I refuse to take that risk. In a state where hunting is a cherished tradition and gun ownership is common, the only way my child will be allowed to play at your house is if your firearms are securely locked away. And let me clarify, I am not against hunting. My family consumes meat, my son is a Boy Scout who practices safe shooting and archery, and I support the right to own a hunting rifle. But please, just lock it up properly.
It doesn’t matter if your 12-year-old “knows gun safety.” That’s commendable, but it’s not sufficient. Even if you believe your firearms are “hidden” or “out of reach,” that’s not enough assurance. Kids excel at finding places to hide, and you cannot guarantee that your guns won’t be discovered.
Even if my children understand the importance of not touching a firearm (which we have made abundantly clear), how can we ensure that a visiting neighbor understands the same? Children often don’t tell the whole truth to avoid getting into trouble, just like my 5-year-old who denied sneaking cookies despite evidence to the contrary. Research shows that many children know where their parents store firearms, and alarmingly, a significant portion admits to having handled them.
Taking Precautions
Kids lie. They push boundaries. It’s a natural part of growing up, and it’s our duty to take precautions to keep them—and their friends—safe. While we can’t control every aspect of safety in a world where risk is everywhere, we can control whether our children are allowed to play in homes where firearms are stored securely.
A gun-safe home ensures that firearms are unloaded and locked away, with no access for children. They should not know the code to a safe or have access to the key. Additionally, ammunition should be stored separately and also locked away.
If you’re uncertain about whether a home is gun-safe and find it awkward to ask, you can visit BeSMARTforKids.org for guidance. This site offers questions to ensure your child’s safety, such as, “If you have guns in your home, are they locked and inaccessible to children?” You can also ask about the location of the safe to verify that children cannot access the firearms.
The Statistics
The numbers are staggering. Since the beginning of 2023, 52 children in the U.S. have been accidentally shot. I am determined to ensure that my children don’t become the next statistics. According to Giffords Law Center, 89% of accidental shooting deaths among children occur at home, often when they are playing with unsecured firearms in the absence of adults. Let that statistic sink in and ask yourself why you wouldn’t secure your firearms properly.
If your child is coming over, you’re likely providing me with a much-needed break, and I appreciate it. I don’t mind what snacks you offer or whether screen time is allowed. I don’t care if you encourage outdoor play or let them play video games. I just have one condition: your guns must be locked away. Otherwise, my kids can’t play.
For more information on proper gun storage and safety tips, check out Everytown.org.
Conclusion
In summary, it’s crucial for parents to understand the importance of securing firearms in their homes. The tragic statistics surrounding accidental shootings involving children highlight the need for vigilance and responsibility. Educating ourselves and others about safe firearm storage is one way we can help keep our children safe.