How to Explain Gun Violence to a Child

Children are exposed to gun violence through the media, video games and movies as well as in some cases in their own personal lives. Help your child feel more secure and make the right decisions in a society where violence is prevalent. Be prepared to explain gun violence to your child.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Communicate openly with your child about gun violence. Encourage the child to ask questions and express concerns. Keep talking to your child about the issue.
2. Pay attention to what your child sees in video games, on TV and in movies. Discuss why guns were used in certain situations, such as in self defense or in anger. Ask how those images make your child feel and how they would react in a similar situation. Provide guidance on appropriate behavior.
3. Explain common characteristics of people who use guns in anger, such as people who feel rejected or mistreated. Talk about gangs and how people often join them for a sense of belonging.
4. Discuss how to handle real life situations such as reporting threats and following safety procedures if a gun is found.
5. Acknowledge that gun violence is a serious problem, but it is preventable. Schools use safety procedures such as metal detectors and random locker checks. Neighborhood watch teams report any suspicious activity to police before the violence erupts.