Modifying Children's Responses to Unsecured Firearms and Modifying the Keeping and Storage of Firearms in Families of Elementary School Children: A Possible Role for Child Behavior Therapy

ABSTRACT

This paper reviews the literature on young children (children under 13) at-risk of firearms injuries, and outlines potential strategies for reducing the disproportionate rate of firearms accidents among low-income children. The available evidence suggests that this problem stems from risky gun storage practices common in low-income homes keeping guns for protection, and these practices, in turn, are a response to high rates of crime victimization and fears of crime. The role that child behavior therapy could assume to reduce the risk of firearm injury to young children and other persons due to these unsafe storage practices is the primary focus of this paper.

KEYWORDS:

• Risky firearms behavior
• low income families