We know all principals and assistant principals care deeply about their students’ safety at school and home. Sharing firearm safety information with parents is one of the most important ways school leaders can protect students from gun violence. Firearms are found in 1 in 3 households in this country. In Washington State, 896 people are killed by guns every year, 65 of whom are children or teens. Firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens. Most of these shootings occur in or around the home.
School leaders are uniquely positioned to help educate parents about firearms, particularly safe storage. Securing firearms is a sensible way to prevent curious kids from handling firearms, preventing accidents and suicides. While most gun owners responsibly lock up their guns, increasing awareness through you, your parent organization, and your school district will help build stronger, safer communities.
In advance of School Safety Month this October, we want to bring some resources to your attention as you consider increasing awareness about gun safety. Parents want to know how to talk about guns with their children and other adults. Sharing this information with parents whose children might visit homes or be in vehicles with access to firearms could be very effective and appreciated. These are tools for healthy conversations and aim to prevent harm from firearms.
Resources from Seattle Children’s:
We are volunteers with Thurston Gun Sense, in partnership with the Alliance for Gun Responsibility, supporting efforts to distribute free firearms locking devices. A program called “Lock It Up” is partnering with health departments throughout our state to promote safe storage options. Please check with your county health department to find out how they might support you to advance this important safety work.
Thank you in advance for sharing this important information.