Statistics
The Reality of Children
and Firearm Safety
Most families think, "This would never happen here."
The data says otherwise.
These are not rare events. They happen in ordinary homes, often involving children who were simply curious.
How widespread is the risk?
Firearms are one of the leading cause of death for children (ages 4-12) and the #1 cause of death in teens (ages 13–17) in the United States.
Approximately 40%–52% of U.S. households report having a firearm.
An estimated 4.6 to 7 million children live in homes with loaded, unlocked firearms.
The setting is rarely extraordinary.
Most unintentional child shootings occur inside a home or home setting.
About 43% occur in a friend's or relative's home — not the child's own.
Awareness gaps in the home.
Up to one-third of children know where firearms are stored, even when parents believe they do not.
Roughly 1 in 3 gun-owning households with children store at least one firearm unlocked or loaded.
Prevention is proven and measurable.
Safe firearm storage practices are associated with a substantial reduction in the risk of unintentional firearm injuries and deaths among children.
Children are not reckless.
They are curious.
They don't recognize danger the way adults do.
They recognize objects they've seen before.
That's why awareness and preparation matter before a moment happens.
Teach recognition.
Build awareness. Reduce risk.
A resource for every family