By Tre Shuttlesworth, Staff Writer
The gun violence activist group Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America presented on the topic of children and gun safety on Nov. 12 at Degenstein Campus Center as part of the organization’s Be SMART campaign. The presentation titled “Be SMART: A conversation about kids, guns and safety” is part of a national campaign by Moms Demand Action that aims to provide strategies for adults to tackle the issue of gun storage to ensure the safety of children. The presentation aimed to find common ground on the issue of youth deaths from unsafe firearm storage danger by eliminating the barrier of political opinions.
The speakers covered five different areas in which adults can promote safer gun storage in hopes of preventing youth firearm deaths. The five strategies conform to the SMART acronym: Secure, Model, Ask, Recognize and Tell. The group noted that 13 million households with children have guns, and many of the kids in these homes know where the guns are. The presentation encouraged storing guns locked and unloaded, with ammunition stored separately. The presentation also encouraged responsible behavior from adults, having noted that it is their responsibility to prevent weapon access that is unauthorized in any type of environment.
The speakers said that parents could walk children through different strategies if they come across a gun, such as alerting an adult. Parents were advised to ask children about gun storage in houses they visit, as well as ask other parents directly about gun storage if their child is visiting.
Another strategy the speakers discussed was to recognize the dangers present when a firearm is added to the situation, especially in relation to suicide.
The presenters encouraged the audience to tell their peers to be smart about gun safety, and also noted the best mediums to communicate safe storage practices such as hunting and outdoor groups. Office of Leadership and Engagement administrative assistant Mary Markle was one of the presenters of the “BeSMART” lecture. She is also involved in the local chapter of Moms Demand Action. Markle has been a member since the chapter was created about three years ago.
Markle sees a wide reach for recipients of the campaign’s message. She hopes “To speak to gun owners, non gun owners, parents and non-parents about everyone can contribute to the well-being of a child if they know the ins and outs of gun safety.” Markle also noted the importance of getting this message across as the holiday season approaches and children face a higher probability of going to unfamiliar houses.
Markle said, “We feel a kind [of] urgency to get the BeSMART message across… You [as a child] may be going into homes you haven’t been to before.” The BeSMART presentation is also a component of the Susquehanna faculty wellness program.
The group works in conjunction with Mayors Against Illegal Guns and the Everytown Survivor Network as part of Everytown for Gun Safety.
The local Moms Demand Action chapter also presents the Be SMART presentation throughout the local community at Parent Teacher Organizations, churches, the Rotary Club and to caseworkers for children in youth services, according to Markle.
