Being ‘SMART’ can help stop accidental firearms deaths

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Dear Editor:

Aug. 26 to 30, 2024 marks the first annual SMART Week – a time when we come together to spread the word on the critical importance of secure gun storage to prevent gun violence. SMART Week is built on the foundation of the Be SMART for kids public education program.

On average, over 4,000 children and teens die by guns every year, making gun violence the leading cause of death among children and teens in the U.S. (everystat.org).

According to everytown.org, there are 4.6 million children in the U.S. that live in a home with at least one loaded, unlocked firearm, and around 360 kids gain access to a firearm and unintentionally shoot themselves or someone else each year.

Everyone has a role to play in keeping our kids safe. Despite talking to kids about not handling guns, they are still curious and make bad decisions. It’s the adults’ responsibility to prevent an impulsive action from becoming a fatal one.

Launched by Everytown for Gun Safety in 2015, the Be SMART campaign promotes responsible gun ownership in order to reduce child gun deaths. One study found that secure firearm storage is associated with a 78 percent reduction in self-inflicted firearm injuries and an 85 percent lower risk in unintentional firearm injuries for children (everytown.org).

Be SMART includes these five components:

• SECURE firearms in your home and vehicles.
• MODEL responsible behavior around firearms.
• ASK about the presence of unsecured firearms in other homes.
• RECOGNIZE the role of firearms in suicide.
• TELL your peers to be SMART.

Whether you own a gun or not, SMART Week is for everyone. Our focus is on spreading awareness about the importance of secure gun storage to prevent tragedy and improve public safety.

Please visit besmartforkids.org for more information.

Marcia Molenda
Mary Coyle
Be SMART for Kids Indiana Leads