Important Information to Safeguard Your Child
ˇ19 MILLONES de Padres de Familia Hacen Esta Pregunta! żY Usted?
Click for English/Spanish Brochure -> ASK <-Tecleo para el folleto de English/Spanish
Why should you ASK if there is a gun before letting your child play at a friend’s house?
Eight children die every day in America in gun-related incidents. And over 37 additional children and teens are seriously injured by firearms every day. (1) Over 40% of homes with children have a gun. In only 25% of those homes are guns locked. (2)
Just talking to your child about the dangers of firearms is not enough. Children are curious. Chances are they can find your gun, even if it’s hidden. Think about how easily they can find hidden birthday or holiday presents. Even the best-behaved children tend to play or explore with firearms when they find them unattended. Older kids are also susceptible to peer pressure with boys between the ages of 8 to 12 are particularly at risk. A gun is no different.
Don’t be afraid to ASK. 97% of parents who owned a gun said they would not feel uncomfortable if asked about the presence of a gun in their home by another parent. (3) Be respectful and non-confrontational. ASK along with other questions. For example, if your child were allergic to cats, you would ask if the other child has a cat in the home.
So ASK--is there a gun in the home? If the answer is no, that’s one less thing to worry about. If the answer is yes, ask if the gun is safely stored. We recommend a gun box or safe with the ammunition locked separately. If you have any doubts about the safety of someone's home, you should politely invite the children to play at your house instead or make a play date in the park.
For more information, contact us at mmm_denver_chapter@yahoo.com or at 303-302-3300.
Additional Links:
Sources:
(1) Injury Mortality Reports, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, CDC, latest data available
(2) ASK brochure
(3) Benenson Strategy Group survey for PAX of parents with children age 5-14, July, 2002