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May 25, 2013
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Child Safety: Guns and Firearms


Topic Overview

Small children, even some 1-year-olds, are able to pull the trigger on a gun. Also, older children or adults can mishandle guns or firearms and injure others. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) encourages parents to avoid keeping guns and firearms. If this is not possible, guns and firearms should be kept away from children and stored:1

  • Unloaded.
  • Locked in a secure location, with the keys hidden.
  • With the safety device on.
  • Separate from ammunition.

Related Information

References

Citations

  1. American Academy of Pediatrics (2010). Gun safety: Keeping children safe. The Injury Prevention Program (TIPP). Available online: http://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/all-around/Pages/Gun-Safety-Keeping-Children-Safe.aspx.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerSusan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical ReviewerThomas Emmett Francoeur, MD, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics
Last RevisedNovember 30, 2010

eMedicineHealth Medical Reference from Healthwise

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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