A new study shows that the rate of non-fatal firearm injuries in kids is 30 percent higher than previous estimates.The study showed that there are 20,600 firearm injuries, including 8,368 injuries resulting in death, in people age 19 and younger that happen each year. More than a third of these injuries - 37 percent - were unintentional.The study, based on the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care survey, was presented in Boston on Monday at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
What sorts of things can parents do to protect kids from firearms?
The academy says the best strategy is never to have a gun in the home. Parents who do choose to keep guns in the home should make sure they are unloaded and locked up and that guns and bullets are stored separately under lock and key. Parents should tell their children to stay away from guns and should find out if there are guns in other homes where their children play.
See also:
- Gun Safety for Kids and Youth
