Gun injuries are now the leading cause of death among children and teens in the United States, a trend that has alarmed health professionals and parents alike. Recent interviews with gun owners, parents, teachers, and community leaders reveal consensus on three critical actions to combat this crisis: secure gun storage, open conversations about firearm safety, and prioritizing mental health support for youth.
With over 78 percent of children aware of the location of household firearms, experts stress that secure storage is essential to preventing tragedies. Research suggests that implementing safe storage practices could avert an estimated 251 deaths each year due to suicides and unintentional shootings among American youth. The culmination of these insights signals a pressing need for collective action to protect children from firearm-related harm.
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