“Finding ways to prevent such injuries and ensure that all children have safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments remains one of our most important priorities,” Fowler added.
“Playing with a gun was the most common circumstance for unintentional firearm deaths of both younger and older children,” she noted, offering an important note, that young children often confused firearms for toys.
However, there was some good news: unintentional deaths among kids decreased from 2002 to 2014. Sadly, the study also showed that gun homicides involving children aged 12 and under, “often involved conflict between intimate partners or family,” continued Fowler – with about half of the incidents involving multiple murders.
Of course, as parents and caregivers, there are several ways you can do to better protect and educate your little ones on firearm safety. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends asking if there are guns in a house before allowing your children to play or stay at a friend’s home.
Meanwhile, a Florida pediatric specialist called the matter “a uniquely American problem.”
“Ninety-one percent of gun-related deaths in high-income countries happen in the U.S.,” Dr. Leopoldo Malvezzi, a pediatric surgeon and director of trauma at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami told HealthDay.
For more information on children and gun safety, visit the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence – and say #ENOUGH to gun violence!