Firearm Safety

When a child is experiencing thoughts of harming themselves or others, it can be one of the most frightening and overwhelming times for a parent. During these critical moments, supervision and monitoring are not just protective, they're powerful tools for understanding, connection, and prevention.

Did you know?

• Firearms are the leading method of death by suicide among youth in Virginia. They are also involved in many tragic incidents of violence.
• Most youth suicide attempts are impulsive. Easy access to a firearm during a crisis can turn a temporary feeling into a permanent tragedy.
• Firearms are extremely lethal. Nine out of ten suicide attempts with a gun result in death.
• Safe storage saves lives. Storing guns unloaded, locked, and separated from ammunition greatly reduces the risk of both suicide and accidental shootings.

How can I store firearms safely?

• Safe storage is a simple, powerful step every parent can take to protect their children and others.
• Always keep guns locked and unloaded.
• Use a gun safe, lockbox, or trigger lock. Never store firearms in easily accessible places, like drawers or closets.
• Store ammunition separately and locked.
• Keep keys or combinations hidden and out of reach of children and teens.

What steps can I take to protect my child from firearm-related risks?

• Talk to all household members about firearm safety and expectations. Ensure guests or relatives who visit also follow safe storage practices.
• Ask about firearms in other homes. Before your child visits a friend or relative, ask if there are firearms in the home and how they’re stored.
• If your child is experiencing mental health challenges, remove access to firearms immediately. Consider removing firearms from the home temporarily or storing them off-site.
• Visit the Lock and Talk website and scroll to the bottom of the page for the interactive map to find your local Community Services Board (input your zip code) to access free firearm locks or medication lock boxes.

According to Virginia Code § 18.2-56.2, the legal requirements for parents regarding safe storage of firearms are as follows:

It is unlawful to leave a loaded, unsecured firearm in a manner that endangers the life or limb of any child under the age of 14. Violating this law is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

It is unlawful to knowingly allow a child under the age of 12 to use a firearm unless the child is under the supervision of an adult. For this law, “adult” means a parent, guardian, person standing in loco parentis, or a person 21 years or older with the parent or guardian's permission. Violating this provision is also a Class 1 misdemeanor.

More Resources

Parent & Caregiver Resources for Self-Harm, Suicide, & Violence Prevention (VDOE)

Additional Safety Resources for Parents and Caregivers

• Threat Assessment Video for Parents (Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services): This video provides an overview of the threat assessment process used in Virginia K-12 public schools. It explains that threat assessment is a structured, evidence-based process designed to identify and intervene with individuals who may pose a risk of violence to themselves or others.
• OK2SpeakOut Parent Resources (Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services): Offers a variety of information and tools to help parents talk with their teens, recognize warning signs, and support their child’s mental health. It includes public service announcements and emphasizes the importance of being prepared to listen and engage in open conversations, while reminding users to seek immediate help in emergencies.

Additional Access to Lethal Means Resources

• Lock and Talk Virginia: Information for families on how to identify the signs of a mental health crisis in their loved ones, and what resources are available to help; including a map of local community service boards.
• Understanding Gun Safety (Project Childsafe): Project ChildSafe offers free educational resources to demonstrate the importance of firearm safety and to encourage the promotion and the practice of responsible firearm ownership.
• Center for Gun Violence Solutions (Johns Hopkins): The Center for Gun Violence Solutions at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health addresses gun violence as a public health emergency and utilizes objective, non-partisan research to develop solutions that inform, fuel, and propel advocacy to measurably lower gun violence.
• Understanding Youth Mental Health and Preventing Unauthorized Access to Firearms: The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) developed this guide to address firearm safety, suicide prevention, and safeguarding mental health. This resource is for parents to learn more about mental health, how to recognize if their children need help and what to do if the warning signs for suicide or other concerning behaviors are there.

Additional Self-Harm Prevention Resources

• Help for Cutting and Other Self-Injury (Child Mind Institute): this article is written for caregivers on how to support children who are intentionally hurting themselves, often by cutting or scratching their skin, as a way to manage difficult emotions.
• Self-Injury and Recovery, Information for Parents (Cornell Research Program): This resource offers a comprehensive guide for parents navigating the challenges of supporting a child who engages in self-injury. This resource provides insights into recognizing signs of self-injury, understanding the emotional responses parents may experience, and effective communication strategies to foster a supportive environment for healing.
• Self-Harm Guide for Parents (Young Minds): This comprehensive guide for parents navigating the complexities of self-harm in young people. The resource covers key topics such as recognizing signs of self-harm, understanding underlying causes, and providing strategies to support your child, including how to engage in open conversations and seek professional help when needed.

Additional Suicide Prevention Resources

• What to do if You’re Worried About Suicide (Child Mind Institute): This article offers parents and caregivers essential guidance on supporting a child who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts. It emphasizes the importance of open, empathetic communication, seeking professional help, and taking immediate action if there's a risk of harm, including contacting emergency services.
• Suicide Prevention: 12 Things Parents Can Do (American Academy of Pediatrics): This guide for parents on preventing youth suicide emphasizes the importance of recognizing warning signs, fostering open communication, and creating a supportive environment, while also providing resources for immediate help and professional support.
• Helping Your Loved One Who is Suicidal (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration): This guide is designed to help families who have a loved one who is suicidal or has made a suicide attempt. It provides information on understanding suicide, warning signs, and action steps to take. Additionally, it provides guidance on how to prevent future attempts and keep your loved one safe.
• A Journey Toward Health and Hope: Your Handbook for Recovery After a Suicide Attempt (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration): This resource guides people through the first steps toward recovery and a hopeful future after a suicide attempt. It includes personal stories from survivors, and strategies for recovery, such as re-establishing connections and finding a counselor.
• Suicide is Different: Providing support for suicide caregivers, Suicide Is Different, offers a variety of resources and tools to help you assist loved ones who may be struggling with suicide.

Additional Violence Prevention Resources

• Warning signs of youth violence (American Psychological Association): This comprehensive resource helps parents recognize early warning signs of youth violence, including sudden behavioral changes, withdrawal, or expressions of hopelessness. By understanding these indicators, parents can take proactive steps to support their child's mental health and seek appropriate interventions.
• Understanding Violent Behavior in Children and Adolescents (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry): This guide offers parents essential information on identifying and addressing violent behaviors in youth. It outlines risk factors such as exposure to violence, substance use, and family stressors, and emphasizes the importance of early intervention through professional evaluation and treatment to help children manage anger and develop healthier coping mechanisms. 
• The Risk of Violent and Homicidal Behavior in Children (The American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress): This resource provides information on risk factors contributing to violent and homicidal behavior in children. It provides guidance for parents on recognizing early warning signs and understanding the underlying causes of such behaviors, aiming to promote early intervention and support for affected children.