June is National Gun Violence Awareness Month, and with growing concerns about gun violence in America, it’s the perfect time to talk about firearm safety – and how to keep our teens and children safe.
The alarming truth is, gun violence has become one of the leading causes of death among children and teens, with firearm deaths surpassing many other causes in recent years.
And with a gun in nearly half of all American homes, how equipped are gun owners to protect their family members – especially children – from firearm suicides and other fatal gun-related incidents?
Gun violence is a growing threat in the US – not only to physical safety, but taking a toll on mental health among children and teens across the country, too.
But there’s good news. Firearm-related deaths are preventable. And with greater gun violence awareness, proper firearm safety practices, and mental health support, we can make a change and keep our children safe. Read on to learn more..
Youth Gun Violence and Mental Health
More and more youth in America are witnessing gun violence, directly or indirectly – from footage of school shootings on social media to hearing gunshots in their own neighborhoods.
And it should come as no surprise that adolescent exposure to widespread and community gun violence has a major impact on academic performance, mental health, and overall well-being. Some school-aged children and high school students experience acute symptoms of PTSD, panic attacks, depression, and suicide ideation due to firearm anxiety on school grounds. And exposure to community violence can increase the risk of developing violent behavior in some children.
It’s important to recognize these signs, in yourself or in your children, and seek help through mental health services or support groups if needed.
Gun violence and mental health support
Here are a few community support and mental health resources you can explore on your own or with your children to raise awareness, learn about gun violence prevention, cope with gun-related anxiety, and more:
- School or community programs: These programs provide education to support prevention initiatives, raising awareness about gun violence through events, campaigns, and outreach activities. See if there are programs like these in your area.
- Group support: Join a support group that encourages open and honest conversations about gun ownership, firearm safety concerns, and gun violence prevention.
- Counseling: If you or someone you know is dealing with gun-related trauma or anxiety, talking to a therapist or a mental health professional can help.
- Lock and Talk: Lock & Talk is a suicide prevention initiative in the state of Virginia that strives to encourage community conversation around mental wellness and promote safe care of lethal means, including firearms and medications. You can learn more about Region Five’s Lock & Talk efforts and resources here
Seeking support from community and professional services is crucial for anyone struggling with their mental health.
Below, we’ll discuss some of the steps parents can take to ensure they’re doing their best to protect their family from gun-related violence and create a safe space for their children.
Firearm safety protocols
Parents often underestimate how easily their children can access a gun in the house. And with a firearm in over a third of homes in the US, it’s critical to follow gun safety protocols to protect children and teens from firearm homicides or unintentional gun deaths, injuries, or accidents. Here’s how:
Talk to your children
If your children are old enough to be aware there’s a gun in the house, they’re old enough to talk about gun safety. Explain the danger involved, and make it clear that guns are not toys and should only ever be handled by an adult. Encourage them to ask questions if they’re curious or confused.
Store firearms in a safe place
Limit children’s exposure and access to any guns you keep in the house. Store them away, unloaded, in a locked box out of reach and sight of any young children or teens. Use a padlock and code to make sure no one but yourself can get access, and store ammunition separately as an extra safety measure.
Talk to other parents
Don’t ever take it for granted that other parents are following gun safety protocols. Open up a conversation with other parents about your safety concerns, and make sure they, too, have their guns stored away securely before allowing your children to visit.
Being open with your children and other parents about firearm safety could be the difference between life and death.
How Region Five Can Help
Most people struggling with mental illness are not violent, but extreme emotions can cause people to make rash decisions, and poor gun safety can be fatal. If you or someone you care about is dealing with gun violence trauma or struggling with mental health in general, we can help.
Contact your local CSB, and we’ll connect you with the right resources to help you on your journey to mental well-being and gun safety awareness. Don’t forget to wear orange to support gun reform during National Gun Violence Awareness Month!
