At an appropriate age, you may wish to extend your child’s knowledge of gun safety to safe handling and use, particularly if your child shows a strong interest in learning how to shoot. Only you can determine if and when your child is ready to do so. A child’s attitude, maturity level, and physical and emotional development are key factors in determining when to teach your child how to handle guns and to shoot. However, once that decision has been made, we strongly recommend that your child attend a Gun Safety Program.

As a parent, you are responsible for your child’s safety as well as for teaching positive values and good judgment to your child.

There are few accidents as tragic, or as preventable, as those involving children and firearms. Having children in the home, whether they live there or are visiting, makes it even more important to practice safe storage of firearms and ammunition. Do not underestimate the ability of children to find or reach a firearm you thought was safely hidden. We strongly recommend that all firearms stored in your hose be equipped with trigger locks and the firearms and ammunition be stored separately, always under lock and key. 

There are many safety programs designed for children. As soon as they are old enough to understand, educate your children about firearm safety, or call the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office at (412) 350-3206 for more information about a firearm safety program.