Are there guns where your children play?
The American Academy of Pediatrics supports the ASK (asking saves kids) campaign. This campaign is to highlight the importance of asking about guns in the homes where children play and to address a very real risk children may face when they play in friends' homes. 40% of homes with children have a gun, many of which are left unlocked or loaded, and every year thousands of children are killed or seriously injured with these guns. "If your child is going to someone else's home to play you're entrusting that other parent to be the provider," noted Dr. Beth Ebel, an AAP spokesperson and a member of the organization's council on injury, violence, and poison prevention. "And just as it's important to go over food rules, allergies, pets, whether the friend's parents are going to be at home or not, it's equally important for a parent to know if there is a gun in a home and if it's safely stored and locked."
Just talking to your child about the dangers of firearms is not enough. Children are naturally curious. If a gun is accessible in someone's home, there is a good chance a child will find it and play with it.
Hiding guns is not enough. There are countless tragic stories of kids finding guns parents thought were well hidden. If you have any doubts about the safety of someone's home, invite the children to your house instead.
Be non-confrontational when asking about guns in the home. Present your concerns in a respectful manner. You are simply assuring your child is playing in a safe environment. Include the question along with other things you might normally discuss before sending your child to someone's house, such as seat belts, animals and allergies.
Make sure that all guns are stored unloaded and locked - ideally in a gun safe - with ammunition locked separately.
~Louis Z. Cooper, MD, President, American Academy of Pediatrics