In 2011, about one in six high school students reported they carried weapons (such as a gun, knife, or club) as of 2013, nearly three in ten high school males reported they carried weapons in the past 30 days. According to a study by Child Trends Data Bank, homicide is the third leading cause of death for teens ages 15 to 19, and the second leading cause of intentional/violence-related deaths for this age group. High school males are more than three times as likely as females to carry a weapon.
Education on gun safety should be a number one priority and here are a few helpful basic tips for firearm safety in your home:
- Always keep the gun locked
- Always keep the gun unloaded
- Store the ammunition locked and hide the keys to the locked firearm
- Store the ammunition in a separate place from the gun
- Educate your friends – if they keep a firearm, urge them to keep it locked and unloaded.
- Only the parent should know the location of the gun storage.
- Check with your local police for advice about safe storage and gun locks.
- When handling or cleaning a gun, never leave it unattended, not even for a moment.
- Teach your children never to touch guns. Make sure they know that guns can be dangerous.
- Talk with your kids about the risk of firearm injury outside the home, in places they may visit or play.