Guest Contributor
Steven Torres, Program Director for the Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program
Gun safety is a critical conversation for parents, even if you don't own a gun yourself. Kids are naturally curious, and with guns present in many homes and media portrayals, it's important to be prepared to address the topic. Here are some tips to help you have an open and informative conversation with your children.
Understand the Importance of Gun Safety
Gun safety is a critical topic because even a moment of curiosity or misunderstanding can lead to tragic consequences. Teaching kids about the potential dangers of firearms and how to handle situations where they might encounter them is key to keeping them safe.
Start the Conversation Early
Begin talking to your children about gun safety at a young age. Tailor your message to their age and maturity level.
- Younger Children (Ages 5-8): Focus on basic safety rules. Teach them that guns are not toys, can be dangerous, and should always be handled by an adult. Use clear and simple language.
- Older Children (Ages 9-12): You can delve deeper into safe gun handling practices. Explain the importance of unloaded and locked storage, never pointing a gun at anything, and treating every gun as if it's loaded.
- Teenagers (Ages 13+): Have open and honest conversations about gun violence and gun control. Address their questions and concerns without judgment. You can use news stories as a springboard for discussions about responsible gun ownership and gun safety practices.
Keep it Calm and Clear
- Set the Tone: Approach the conversation calmly and confidently. Your anxiety can make your child feel uneasy.
- Focus on Safety: Emphasize that gun safety is about preventing accidents and keeping everyone safe.
- Answer Honestly: If you don't know the answer to a question, be honest and offer to find out together.
Create a Safe Space for Questions
- Open Communication: Let your child know they can always come to you with questions about guns, no matter how big or small.
- Listen Actively: Pay attention to their concerns and answer them thoughtfully.
- Address Misconceptions: Clear up any misunderstandings they may have about guns that they may have learned from movies, video games or friends.
Role-Playing Scenarios
Role-playing can be an effective way to help kids understand how to respond in situations where they might encounter a gun. Practice different scenarios with them, such as finding a gun at a friend’s house or seeing another child with a gun. This helps children feel prepared and confident in their response.
Regularly Reinforce the Message
Gun safety is not a one-time conversation. Regularly remind your children about the rules and reassess their understanding as they grow older. This continuous dialogue ensures that safety remains a priority and that they are prepared to act safely in different situations.
Beyond the Basics
Limit Gun Exposure: While you can't control everything your child sees, you can limit their exposure to gun violence in the media. Monitor TV shows, video games, and even news coverage they consume.
Be a Role Model: Practice safe gun handling yourself, if applicable. Show your children how to respect firearms and the importance of gun safety.
What About Guns in the Homes of Family and Friends?
Having an open conversation about guns extends beyond your own home. If your child is going to someone's house, it's important to know if there are guns in the home. It may feel awkward to ask, but most people will understand that you're simply trying to keep your child safe.
Nemours KidsHealth offers some conversation starters to make it smoother:
"My child is naturally curious. Are there any guns or other dangerous items they might find?"
"Is there a gun in your home?"
"Our pediatrician advised checking for gun safety where my child plays. Do you have any firearms at home?"
Acenda’s Experts Lead Groundbreaking Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program
During Gun Violence Prevention Month this June, Acenda Integrated Health's Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program (HVIP) highlights its significant progress in supporting victims of violent crime. Led by experts such as COO Melissa Fox, MHA, FACMPE, FACHE and HVIP Program Director Steven Torres, MS, DRCC, CMHS, HVIP provides trauma-informed care and essential services through collaboration with medical staff and community partners. Since its inception, the program has received 116 referrals and helped many victims rebuild their lives. Committed to expanding its reach, Acenda plans to enhance training, secure expansion funds, and extend services to more communities, reaffirming its dedication to combating gun violence and fostering community well-being. For more information, contact communications@acendahealth.org.
“It’s not a child’s responsibility to understand guns; this should be the adult’s/parent’s job,” Torres wrote. “Children and teens are often curious and impulsive. So even when adults give well-meaning warnings, kids often want to explore a gun if they find it. Their young minds are still developing, so it’s the adult’s duty to create ‘safety barriers’ to help protect them. This is why safe gun storage is vital. If you do keep a gun at home, keep the gun unloaded and locked up with the ammunition locked up and stored separately.”
Prioritizing Safe Gun Practices
Many people continue to use guns for recreational purposes. If you allow your child or teen to use a gun for recreation with you or another adult, it is highly important to emphasize gun safety practices and routines. Torres suggests the following steps to protect your family and others when using a gun recreationally:
- Store the gun unloaded and locked up. Do NOT give your child or teen the passcode or keys to get the gun out.
- Make sure that your child or teen understands that it is never okay to handle a gun without a responsible adult there.
- Teach your child or teen to assume a gun is loaded and never to point a gun at someone.
- Set a good example with your own safe gun handling practices.
Talking to your kids about gun safety is an essential step in protecting them from harm. By starting the conversation early, using clear language, setting a good example, and continuously reinforcing the message, you can help ensure your children understand the importance of gun safety and know how to act responsibly around firearms.
For more detailed information and resources, visit Project Child Safe.
Additional Resources:
Remember, the most important thing is to have an open and honest conversation with your children. By starting early and providing them with the information they need, you can help keep them safe.
Visit our Mental Health Resource Center to access more helpful information.
Guest Contributor
Steven Torres is the program director of Acenda's Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program (HVIP). He has been with the agency since 2014. He earned his bachelor's in social work from Rutgers University - Camden and his master's in counseling studies from Capella University.
About the Author
Stephanie Taylor is the Communications and Development Manager at Acenda, where she uses her passion for helping others to create compelling content that raises awareness about behavioral health and hopes to inspire others. She has a BA in psychology and over 25 years of experience in the behavioral health field. She is also a mom to three young men and enjoys spending time with her family and friends, gardening, and reading.