Parents more likely to ask about guns in homes when they receive firearm safety information

Parents more likely to ask about guns in homes when they receive firearm safety information | Image Credit: © Mariusz Blach - stock.adobe.com.

Parents are more likely to ask about the presence of firearms in the homes their children visit when they receive gun safety information from a variety of sources, according to a new national study presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) 2025 Meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii.^1,2

The study surveyed nearly 1,600 caregivers of children under the age of 18 to better understand what influences their decisions to ask about unsecured guns in other households. Researchers found that exposure to firearm safety information had a measurable effect on behavior. Caregivers who had heard about gun safety from 8 different sources were almost 5 times more likely to ask about firearms compared to those who had not received any such information—79% vs 16%.

More sources of information, greater impact

Each additional source of gun safety information increased the likelihood that caregivers would ask about firearms by 40%. The study identified several types of sources, including healthcare providers, other parents, family members, schools, community organizations, and social media platforms.

Education from other parents had the strongest association with caregiver behavior. Still, hearing firearm safety messages from any source, regardless of whether it was formal or informal, was associated with an increased likelihood of action. The effect was cumulative, with each additional source reinforcing the caregiver’s inclination to ask about guns before their child visited another home.

“Our findings suggest that exposure to firearm safety messaging from multiple sources can significantly influence caregiver behavior,” said Maya Haasz, MD, associate professor at Children’s Hospital Colorado and the presenting author of the study. “Robust firearm education for parents builds a safer future for children where conversations about gun safety among parents and in communities are the norm rather than the exception.”

Health care providers are underutilized messengers

Although the study found that healthcare providers were among the influential sources of gun safety information, fewer than 9% of caregivers reported having had discussions about firearms with a healthcare professional. This points to a potential missed opportunity in clinical settings, where such conversations may reinforce safety behaviors.

The survey also revealed that 67% of respondents who had not previously asked about guns said they would feel more comfortable doing so in the future. This finding indicates that a large group of caregivers could be receptive to behavioral change, especially with proper education and encouragement.

Framing and frequency matter

The study suggests that both the frequency and the framing of safety messages are important. While passive forms of communication like posters and pamphlets may play a role, interpersonal discussions, particularly with trusted peers like other parents, appear to have a stronger influence. In contrast, just 30% of respondents reported being exposed to firearm safety information in a clinical setting, despite national recommendations for pediatricians to discuss gun safety with families.

With firearms now the leading cause of death among children in the United States, the findings underscore the urgency of widespread and repeated firearm safety education. Study authors recommend a multifaceted approach to messaging that includes healthcare providers, schools, and community members to help normalize conversations around gun safety.

References:

1. Haasz M, Myers MG, Sokol R, Carter PM. Caregivers' asking about firearms in homes that youth visit: A nationally representative cross-sectional survey. Abstract. Presented at: 2025 Pediatric Academic Societies Annual Meeting. Honolulu, Hawaii.

2. Pediatric Academic Societies. STUDY: Education improves in-home gun safety. Pediatric Academic Societies. Press release. April 25, 2025. Accessed April 25, 2025.