SAN ANTONIO – Health officials are urging gun owners, particularly those with children in their homes, to prioritize firearm safety by securely locking their guns away. This message is especially pertinent as summer approaches, bringing with it an increase in the number of children at home, often without adult supervision.
Gun violence has emerged as the leading cause of death among children in Texas. Erica Haller-Stevenson, a violence prevention administrator for the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, emphasizes the importance of responsible gun ownership. “The most important thing to do is manage your firearm responsibly,” she stated, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
In our technology-driven world, many children are exposed to video games that simulate gun use. While they may be familiar with the mechanics of firearms, Haller-Stevenson points out that they often lack an understanding of the serious consequences associated with real firearms. “Young kids do not understand death the way older kids and adults do,” she explained. “They don’t understand that consequences are permanent.”
Even if children are aware that guns can cause harm, they may not realize how easily a bullet can be discharged. “They also may not understand that just handling a gun improperly can accidentally discharge a bullet,” Haller-Stevenson added, highlighting the critical need for adult supervision and education.
To promote safety, Haller-Stevenson provided several recommendations for gun owners:
“Don’t share the code or the key with your kids,” she advised, noting that this guideline also extends to older family members who may be at risk for suicide. Furthermore, she cautioned against leaving firearms in vehicles. In 2024, statistics from the San Antonio Police Department reported that approximately seven guns were stolen from vehicles each day.
“San Antonio has a very high rate of thefts of firearms from vehicles, and then most of those firearms go on to be used in a crime,” Haller-Stevenson noted, revealing that the city grapples with one of the highest rates of this issue in the country.
One of the most effective tools at a parent’s disposal is education. Haller-Stevenson emphasized the importance of teaching children what to do if they encounter a firearm. “Teaching them about your pool, right, and how a pool can be dangerous, and you need to have an adult around. It’s the same thing as cooking with the stove. You need to have an adult around, right?” she said. “Children should not be handling firearms without an adult who is giving them appropriate support and supervision.”
