NCJ Number
196789
Journal
Future of Children Volume: 12 Issue: 2 Dated: Summer/Fall 2002 Pages: 165-173
Date Published
2002
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This document discusses the issue of child and youth access to guns from both sides of the gun debate.
Abstract
The information is based on telephone interviews with 29 pro-gun and gun control advocates conducted between September and December 2001. The questions pertained to what extent advocates believe young people’s access to guns is problematic; and what solutions advocates on each side of the debate endorse. Although gun control groups unanimously agree that easy access to firearms by children and youth is a problem, the responses they propose vary depending on regional and philosophical differences. Most gun control advocacy groups view public awareness about the risks guns pose to children as central to their advocacy. Their educational programs focus on promoting “ safe storage” of guns where parents that own guns store them locked, unloaded, and out of children’s reach. They complement their public awareness and education efforts with a legislative agenda targeted at reducing youth access to guns, with specific legislative initiatives varying significantly from State to State. Another segment works directly with at-risk youth and communities to reduce gun violence. Pro-gun groups generally do not believe that youth access to guns is problematic. They define the problem as a concern much more narrowly than do gun control groups. They view the problem as rooted in culture, not in access to guns. They tend to define youth gun violence in terms of youth gun homicide. Pro-gun groups promote some measures aimed at reducing unsupervised access to guns by children and youth, especially educational program for young children, adolescents, and adults. Some pro-gun advocates endorse safe-storage programs and increased investments in youth at risk for gun violence, but these positions are controversial within the gun rights community. Although they are divided on the efficiency of trigger locks and other safe-storage mechanisms, they are unanimous in their condemnation of any legislation mandating such devices. 5 endnotes