The Be SMART campaign was created to bring together all responsible adults to reduce suicides and the number of unintentional shootings that occur when children get ahold of an unsecured firearm.

Every year, nearly 300 children age 17 and under gain access to a gun and unintentionally shoot themselves or someone else, and nearly 500 more die by suicide with a gun. Many of these deaths are entirely preventable with responsible gun storage, yet it’s estimated 4.6 million America children live in homes with at least one gun that’s loaded and unlocked. The CT Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics is partnering with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America to promote Be SMART, a public education campaign asking gun owners and non-gun owners alike to take simple steps to reduce the number of unintentional shootings and suicides that occur when children or teens get a hold of guns that are not stored responsibly.

The Be SMART campaign encourages responsible gun ownership and aims to reduce gun deaths as a result of children getting their hands on unsecured guns. The campaign raises awareness about unintentional shootings by children and how to responsibly store guns in the home. Moms Demand Action encourages parents and caretakers to “Be SMART” by taking these five simple steps to help prevent shootings by children: Secure all guns in your home and vehicles; Model responsible behavior around guns; Ask about the presence of unsecured guns in other homes; Recognize the risks of teen suicide; Tell your peers to be SMART.

Trained volunteers with Moms Demand Action are available across the country to deliver the Be SMART message in your community or office. For more information about Be SMART, please visit BeSMARTforKids.org. To find out how to bring Be SMART to your office or community here in CT, please contact BeSMARTCT@gmail.com. Let’s work together to keep kids safe!