Main content Child Safety: Guns and Firearms

    Child Safety: Guns and Firearms



    Topic Overview

    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 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) encourages parents to avoid keeping guns and firearms. If this is not possible, guns and firearms should be kept away from children and stored:Reference 1

    • Unloaded.
    • Locked in a secure location, with the keys hidden.
    • With the safety device on.
    • Separate from ammunition.


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