In America, one out of three homes with children has a gun, and nearly 1.7 million children live in a home with a loaded, unlocked gun.
Every year, thousands of kids are killed and injured as a result.
The ASK (Asking Saves Kids) Campaign, a partnership of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, promotes a simple idea with the potential to help keep kids safe.
It encourages parents to ASK if there are unlocked guns in the homes where their children play.
Parents ask all sorts of questions before their children visit other homes. They ask about pool safety and pets, discuss allergies and Internet access, and ask questions about supervision.
ASK encourages parents to add one more question to this conversation: "Is there an unlocked gun in your house?" It's a simple question, but it has the power to save a child's life. According to AAP President James M. Perrin, MD, FAAP, "All parents care about the safety of their children.".
The ASK campaign helps parents talk with each other comfortably about guns in the home. "Any parent can make a difference by asking this question and encouraging others in their community to do the same."
The campaign features many new, relatable tools to raise awareness of this safety issue and to help parents with having the safety conversation. Dr. Daniel Fagbuyi offers advice for parents on what to do and say if there is an unlocked gun in someone's home.