Gun Safety
Guns are the leading cause of death for U.S. children and teens under the age of 18. Keeping guns in the house increases the chances of kids accidentally shooting themselves, committing suicide, or being murdered. Learn how to keep your children and family safe around guns.
The one best way to help prevent accidental shootings or gun violence is to never keep a gun in your home.
If you have guns at home, always keep them unloaded and locked away so that children and teenagers can't get to them. Use a lock box or gun safe to store them. Lock up and store bullets in a different place away from the gun.
Cable locks or trigger locks can be used on guns to help stop injuries or death from guns.
Supervise children and teens around guns to help prevent accidental shootings. Teach children and teens that guns are not toys and to never touch or play with a gun.
Ask if there are guns in the home of your child's and teen's friends before they visit there. If there are guns, ask the parents if they are unloaded and locked up properly. If you don't feel comfortable, invite children or teens to your home instead.
Teach your child or teen to leave the area and tell an adult right way if they see a gun, hear someone about talking having a gun, or hear someone threatening another person with a gun.
Monitor your kid's or teen's exposure to violence in video games, movies, and on social media.