Preventing Gun Injuries in Children

Abstract

Firearms are involved in the injury and death of a large number of children each year from both intentional and unintentional causes. Gun ownership in homes with children is common, and pediatricians should incorporate evidence-based means to discuss firearms and protect children from gunrelated injuries and violence. Safe storage of guns, including unloaded guns locked and stored separately from ammunition, can decrease risks to children, and effective tools are available that pediatricians can use in clinical settings to help decrease children’s access to firearms. Furthermore, several community-based interventions led by pediatricians have effectively reduced firearm-related injury risks to children. Educational programs that focus on children’s behavior around guns have not proven effective.

Are “goods for guns” good for the community? An update of a community gun buyback program

“…In addition, suicide attempts with a gun have a 90% fatality rate (10). Both intentional and unintentional injuries can be prevented by limiting access to, and safe storage of, firearms (11). Previous research has shown that suicide and homicide rates are correlated with household firearm ownership (12)(13)(14) Gun Buyback programs have existed for over 30 years with varying methods and degrees of success (15)(16)(17)(18)(19).…”