How to Teach Gun Safety to Children

Prepare childen to avoid the dangers of guns.

According to KidsHealth.org, at least one gun can be found in one third of all U.S. households. While guns can be useful, they are highly dangerous when in the hands of children. To prevent children from mishandling firearms, you must educate them on the principles of gun safety. With proper education and an understanding of the potential dangers posed by guns, children will be better prepared to respond appropriately if they encounter a dangerous weapon. Whether your are a classroom teacher or a boy/girl scout leader, teaching kids what to do in the presence of firearms is an important lesson.

Instructions

1. Inform parents of your gun safety education plans, and ask if there are any objections. Students may be eager to tell their parents about their gun-related learning experiences; in the absence of a heads- up, their parents may be taken by surprise. Additionally, if parents keep a gun in the house, they may elect to discuss this topic more carefully with their child due to the child's proximity to the firearm.

2. Ask students about their gun-related experiences to date. Many children see guns as toys for playing games of 'cops and robbers.' To others, guns exist only in television shows and the movies; thus, they have no understanding of the real danger of guns. Put the children in the right frame of mind to discuss gun safety,by asking them in what instances they have seen or used a gun, and what they think about guns.

3. Teach children the proper response to finding a gun. Children should do four things when they find a gun, reports the National Rifle Association. They should first stop what they are doing. Secondly, they should not touch the gun. Then, they should remove themselves form the area in which they saw the gun. Finally, they should tell an adult about the gun. Explain each of these steps to your students, listing them on the board or a sheet of paper, so that they receive the information visually as well as orally.

4. Practice the procedure. Students will likely not remember the procedure if they do not actually practice it. To allow for practice, place a block or other innocuous object on the floor. Select a student volunteer, and tell him to react as if the block were a gun and he happened upon it. Instruct all students to watch as the volunteer finds the fictitious gun and responds appropriately. Repeat the procedure several times, allowing multiple students to practice.

5. Engage students in the completion of a project to review the procedure. Cement students' understanding by having them create a poster detailing the four-step response plan, or complete a similar application activity.

References

• KidsHealth: Gun Safety
• Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: Firearm Safety Training for Youth