Modifying Children's Responses to Unsecured Firearms and Modifying the Keeping and Storage of Firearms in Families of Elementary School Children: A Possible Role for Child Behavior Therapy

Author: Vacha, E.F / McLaughlin T.F.
Publication: Child & Family Behavior Therapy
Topics: Age Group Education/Counseling Storage
Keywords: Low income families crime statistics guns risky firearms behavior.
Bibliographic information +

The authors review the literature on children under 13 at risk of firearms injuries, with the aim of reducing the rate of firearms accidents among low-income children. They note that risky gun storage practices are common in low-income homes that keep guns for protection as a response to high rates of crime victimization and fears of crime. To reduce firearm accidents, the authors recommend training young children to respond appropriately to unsecured firearms, encouraging parents to store guns and ammunitions safely, and ultimately, making low-income neighborhoods safer and less frightening for children and their parents.