Gun safety at home (2213)

Why do I need to talk to my child about guns?

• Guns can cause death and injury. It is important to keep kids away from guns.

How can I talk to my child about guns?

• Teach them to never touch a gun, and to always tell an adult right away if they see one.
• Be honest with them.
• Remember children may not truly understand how dangerous guns are. Explain that real guns are different than the ones they see on TV shows, video games or toys.

Why do I need to store guns safely?

• Children are curious. If they find a gun, they may want to pick it up.
• Children can make fast decisions and take actions that can’t be undone.

How can I store guns safely?

• Always store guns unloaded.
• Always use at least one or more of these items for gun safety:

• Keep ammunition (bullets) locked and stored away from the guns.
• Keep the keys or passcode in a place where your children can’t find them.

How can I talk to others about guns safely?

• It may feel awkward, but most people will understand that you’re trying to protect your child.
• Ask guests who come to your home if they have a gun with them.If they do, ask them to store their gun safely.
• If your child is going to someone’s house, it’s important to know if there are guns in the home.If they do, ask that they be stored safely.

To learn more about gun safety, review these KidsHealth pages:

Gun safety for parents and caregivers: Guns are in many homes. They're a very real danger to children, whether you own one or not. Learn how to talk with your children about gun safety.

Gun safety for teens: Guns can cause death and injury. Learn how to keep yourself safe, whether your family has guns at home or not.

Gun safety for kids:  Learn more about gun safety.