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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 Canadian Paediatrics Society encourages parents to avoid keeping guns and firearms in the home or other places where children may be, such as a car. If this is not possible, guns and firearms should be kept away from children and stored:footnote 1

  • Unloaded.
  • Locked in a secure location, with the keys hidden.
  • With the safety device on.
  • Separate from ammunition. It's also important to lock up the ammunition.

Talk with your children about gun safety. Be sure that they know to stay away from guns in a friend's home or elsewhere and to tell you if they see or find a gun.

Talk with the parents of your children's friends. Find out if they have guns in their homes. If they do, ask that they keep them unloaded, locked up, and out of children's reach.

References

Citations

  1. Frappier JY, et al. (2005, reaffirmed 2012). Youth and firearms in Canada. Paediatrics and Child Health, v10(8): 473-477. Also available online: http://www.cps.ca/en/documents/position/youth-and-firearms.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer John Pope, MD, MPH - Pediatrics
Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MD, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics

Current as ofMay 4, 2017

Current as of: May 4, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: John Pope, MD, MPH - Pediatrics & Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MD, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics