Uvalde. Las Vegas. Sandy Hook. Orlando. Parkland. El Paso. Highland Park. Every time there’s a mass shooting to hit national news, it’s hard enough for us parents to process this unfortunate reoccurrence. How do we even begin to explain this tragedy of gun violence to our own children? Again? And again?
Enough is enough.Â
It’s only a matter a time when the next mass shooting occurs at an outdoor concert, church, school or even in our own Chicago neighborhoods. As parents, we need to do something to protect our children and others from gun violence. Â
We created our guide below on gun violence and gun safety to help you get started. Setting politics aside, we’re sticking to the facts to keep parents educated on the latest gun safety reform laws, ways you can take action, how Chicagoans are affected by gun violence and other helpful resources.Â
What Parents Need to Know
Gun safety reform remains an ongoing debate and it’s hard to keep track of the most accurate information regarding gun violence in America. Educating ourselves is a great first step in order to stand up for our children.
In this section, we break down some of the statistics from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention including how gun violence is the No. 1 cause of death for children in the United States, how to also focus on Chicago’s gun violence and more resources.Â
Those who see Gun Violence as a very big or Major problem
82%
of Black adults
58%
of hispanic adults
39%
of white adults
18%
of Republicans and Republican leaning independents
73%
of Democrats and Democratic leaning independents
Voices and Local Stories
Gun violence affects families in many different ways and in Chicago, we understand how much it has impacted our communities. Some parents are faced with gun violence daily, while others are working hard on fighting to keep kids safe.Â
We collected these local stories to give individuals the space to share their thoughts on gun violence and why this is an important issue for families. Â
Gun Safety Tips
No matter how you feel about guns, they’re not going away anytime soon since the Second Amendment protects them. Parents who are worried about their kids around guns might be looking for extra information to keep their kids safe just in case.
This section includes how to teach kids to be aware in large crowds, talking with them about a tragedy and other gun safety tips.Â
