Firearm ownership and storage patterns among families with children who receive well-child care in pediatric offices

Author: DuRant, R. H. / Barkin, S. / Craig, J. A. / Weiley, V. A. / Ip, E. H. / Wasserman, R. C.
Publication: Pediatrics
Topics: Age Group Ownership Storage
Keywords: Adolescent Behavior Child
Bibliographic information +

The authors surveyed 3745 parents of children aged 2 to 11 years who went to pediatric offices for well-child examinations in 45 states, Canada and Puerto Rico. They found that 23% of families reported firearm ownership. Of those who reported making firearm storage decisions, only one third of them reported storing firearms safely. Families who had children aged 2 to 5 and owned long guns were more likely to store their guns safely than families with older children.