Child Safety: Guns and Firearms

Topic Overview

Small children, even some 1-year-olds, are able to pull the trigger on a gun. Also, older children or adults can mishandle guns or firearms and injure others. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) encourages parents to avoid keeping guns and firearms. If this is not possible, guns and firearms should be kept away from children and stored:1

  • Unloaded.
  • Locked in a secure location, with the keys hidden.
  • With the safety device on.
  • Separate from ammunition.

Related Information

References

Citations

  1. American Academy of Pediatrics (2012). Gun safety: Keeping children safe. The Injury Prevention Program (TIPP). Available online: http://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/all-around/Pages/Gun-Safety-Keeping-Children-Safe.aspx.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerSusan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical ReviewerThomas Emmett Francoeur, MD, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics
Last RevisedNovember 30, 2010
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: November 30, 2010
Medical Review: Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics
Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MD, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics

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