Our children are being slaughtered by gun violence

The link between guns and child safety is undeniable. According to PEW Research gun deaths among children and teens went up 50% between 2019 and 2021.  In 2021, there were 2,590 deaths due to firearms among children and teenagers under the age of 18. In 2020, there were more than 11,000 ER visits due to non-fatal gun injuries, often as a result of accidents involving improperly stored or handled firearms. Gun violence and its impact on the safety of children is a serious issue that has significant consequences for children, their families and the functioning of democratic societies. 

Gun violence can take many forms, including mass shootings, rioting, domestic violence, and accidents. Gun violence has a direct impact on public safety and is a serious issue that affects communities across the country. It can have a devastating impact on families and serious consequences for the well-being of children.

To combat the impact of gun violence on the safety of children, there are several steps that can be taken:

• Strengthen gun laws including efforts to require background checks for all gun purchases, limit access to high-capacity magazines and assault weapons, and close loopholes that allow individuals to purchase guns without undergoing a background check.
• Promote  gun safety through safe storage of guns, education about gun safety, and programs to encourage individuals to turn in guns that are no longer needed.
• Support mental health to increase access to mental health care, reduce stigma associated with mental illness, and provide resources for individuals who may be at risk of harming themselves or others.
• Address root causes as an important tool in the fight for children’s safety. This can include efforts to address social and economic inequality, promote community cohesion, and reduce the prevalence of violence in society.
• Support gun safety candidates and organizations in all levels of government.