A Review of Literature on ‘Gun Safety' Education Programmes
A Review of Literature on ‘Gun Safety' Education Programmes

Author(s): Author Not Specified
Subject(s): Politics, Security and defense, Preschool education, School education
Published by: The South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SEESAC)
Keywords: gun safety; children
Summary/Abstract: The USA is the only country where there are programmes related to gun safety for pre-school children (four to five) and for primary and secondary children. There is no evidence of the effectiveness of these programmes; this is hardly surprising, as they are not based on a solid foundation of knowledge about child development. Unfortunately there is also little evidence from the USA that attempts to educate parents are very successful. This seems to be due to the strength of the belief that guns protect individuals and families, and misperceptions about the ability of children to engage in safe behaviours. The American Academy of Pediatrics has made a clear and strong statement that the only way to protect children and adolescents from guns is to remove them from households. This Literature Review includes articles on ‘gun safety’ programmes, research on parents’ attitudes and behaviours, and research on other safety practices such as safe storage.

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