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I felt my stomach drop when I read the news. On Monday, a three-year-old boy in our community was killed. According to the Minnesota Star Tribune, he got hold of a loaded gun and it went off. His name was Jajuan Robinson.
There is a gun inside more than 40% of Minnesota homes. There are many reasons people own them. For hunting, for protection, or as the Reformer recently noted in this commentary, guns can give a sense of power to those who feel powerless. I’m not here to argue whether any of that is right or wrong, good or bad.
I only want to make sure you know that three simple things can help keep the children in your life safe from guns. These things are easy to do and they cost nothing.
1. You may be surprised that, despite all the active shooter drills children practice at school, almost 90% of child (0-12) gun deaths happen at home.
Parents tend to underestimate how their child would react if they found a gun. Kids may understand intellectually that guns are dangerous, but kids are still curious. That’s why all guns must be stored safely: unloaded and locked.
Thankfully gun locks are free and easy to use. There are dozens of places in Minnesota that would be happy to give one to you or someone you know.
2. This is even easier than getting and using a gun lock: regularly asking about the presence of guns. It’s routine for parents and caregivers to discuss allergies and food preferences when sending a child to someone else’s home. It needs to become routine for parents and caregivers to also inquire about guns; whether they’re in the home and if so, how they’re stored.
3. Finally, spread the word. Whether or not you’re a parent or caregiver, share this article with people who are so they too can take steps to keep kids safe.
Guns are a partisan issue in our country; gun safety doesn’t have to be.
Gun deaths are the leading cause of death for children in America. They are also 100% preventable. Nobody needs to die from a gun injury. Especially — we can all agree — not a child.
Think about the children in your life. You have an important role in keeping them safe from guns. Three small steps could make all the difference.
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