Studies of all types of school-based gun violence across decades all point to the same significant point of intervention –  addressing students’ unauthorized access to guns in the home. A Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center study of targeted school violence incidents from 2008 to 2017 found that 76% of the firearms were obtained from the home of a parent or close relative. 

Unsecured guns in the home pose a risk to students beyond gun violence in schools. Every year, nearly 350 children under the age of 18 unintentionally shoot themselves or someone else. That’s roughly one unintentional shooting per day. Nearly 700 children, 17 and under, die by suicide with a gun each year. In the overwhelming majority of these incidents, the gun used was one that belonged to someone in their home.

• Families can help protect our community by ensuring any firearms in their home are stored safely. Storing firearms unloaded, locked, and separate from ammunition prevents access and saves lives.

  Be SMART for Kids model: 

  • Secure all guns in your home and vehicles

    Model responsible behavior around guns

    Ask about the presence of unsecured guns in other homes

    Recognize the role of guns in suicide

    Tell your peers to be SMART