I want to focus this article on solutions to reduce firearm injuries and deaths in children. Recently, I’ve seen a lot of articles and organizations cite the statistic that in 2021, firearms continued to be the leading cause of death among US children, and instead of using this whole article talking about data that I already discussed in a recent blog post. I would instead use this space to highlight something else. The solution to reducing these injuries and deaths is educating people and giving them more resources to address these issues, which would reduce the instances without removing firearms. 

I’m not the only one who believes that educating the youth is the answer. Recently, the Ad Council published a Gun Violence Study in which “Educating your kids about gun safety” was believed by 89% of respondents to have a positive impact on reducing gun violence. The best part about this is that only 36% of the 3,000 respondents in the study were from gun-owning households. That means that educating the youth about firearms is something everyone agrees on. 

I spoke with two people who actively educate the youth population differently every day. Derek LeBlanc and Devin Perkins are leading educators in firearm safety for children and adolescents. They offer valuable perspectives on why and how we can educate the younger generation about safe firearm handling and awareness. In a nation where firearms are both prevalent and polarizing, educating the youth about firearm safety is not just a necessity but a proactive measure to ensure their well-being. I wanted to ask them a few questions to be more knowledgeable about educating the youth when I need to offer solutions in my consulting work and to support their efforts better. 

Importance of Education

Derek LeBlanc of Kids S.A.F.E. Foundation emphasizes the importance of normalizing the conversation around gun safety, particularly with young children. "In our country, we teach children many different forms of safety. It could be fire, water, helmet, or another form of safety. When it comes to firearm safety, it is the mission of the Kids S.A.F.E. Foundation to educate families on the importance of safety inside their homes," Derek explains. By demystifying firearms and instilling a sense of responsibility, Derek believes we can strip away the novelty and allure that often surrounds guns among the youth.

”Guns are here. They are NOT going anywhere, period! So your children must know what NOT to do if they are ever in a dangerous situation. One thing that parents must understand is that their kids can be exposed to an unsecured firearm anywhere. It could be at a friend's house for a playdate or in public in an urban environment. Knowing what to do in that situation could be the difference between life and becoming a statistic.” says Derek. The Foundation has reached a significant milestone, educating 29,000 children since its inception in 2016, all without a single incident, which underscores the effectiveness of its approach.

Devin Perkins focuses his efforts through Kids To Kings, a program of Walk the Talk America targeting adolescent boys and young men in underserved communities, where firearms are often introduced in harmful contexts. Devin argues that misinformation and a lack of proper education can lead to tragic outcomes, so being proactive is crucial. "We believe that with safety education and objective information involving the current climate surrounding the Second Amendment, our young men are less susceptible to being used to advocate for restrictions on rights that they aren't yet old enough to understand or exercise fully," he says.

Strategies and Achievements 

Both organizations utilize unique strategies to address firearm safety education:

Kids S.A.F.E. Foundation uses a child-centric approach, developing its programs with direct feedback from children. This method ensures the information is both accessible and retainable. Their programs cover gun safety, video game violence, online safety, and anti-bullying. Since 2016, they’ve reached 29,000 kids in the United States with their one-hour Kids Firearm Safety 1 class. 

Kids To Kings takes a slightly different approach. It works with their kids daily, prioritizing understanding the participants' mental states and instilling values such as impulse control and situational awareness. The program also aims to boost self-worth and confidence, empowering young men to defend their liberties and loved ones responsibly.

Overcoming Hesitancy

Addressing concerns from parents who are hesitant about firearms, both leaders offer reassurance based on education and awareness. Derek encourages parents not to let fear or misconceptions dictate their children’s understanding of firearms, citing the ubiquity of guns and the importance of preparedness. Devin, on the other hand, suggests hands-on exposure, such as trips to the shooting range, to demystify guns and demonstrate safe handling practices firsthand.

Looking Ahead

Looking forward, both educators have ambitious goals. Derek aims to expand the reach of the Kids S.A.F.E. Foundation nationwide, hoping to educate over a million children about firearm safety. Devin's vision for Kids To Kings is to witness its participants thrive, achieving educational and personal success, armed with knowledge and skills that extend beyond firearm safety.

Conclusion

Educating youth about firearm safety is a vital step toward a safer future. By removing the mystique and providing practical knowledge, programs like those led by Derek LeBlanc and Devin Perkins prevent potential accidents and empower the next generation to handle firearms responsibly. As these programs expand and evolve, their impact will undoubtedly contribute to a decrease in firearm-related incidents among youth, aligning with the broader goal of community safety and well-being.

Written by Michael Sodini in collaboration with Derek LeBlanc and Devin Perkins

Editors Note: Mike will join me on Bearing Arms' Cam & Co on Monday to talk more about the work that WTTA is doing to help educate kids about real gun safety. - Cam