juveniles other options besides resorting to violence. Welsh states that with these programs “youths involved in disputes learn how to identify their interests in a specific interaction, express their views, listen attentively, and seek mutually acceptable solutions (Welsh 192). Programs that teach students about gun safety and gun misuse including accidental shootings should be implemented into schools, especially in areas of high gun violence. Begin teaching children at an early age that guns are not toys and should never be handled without adult supervision. Explain to children that a gunshot wound is a very serious injury and is not like they see on TV. Children should be talked to about guns and why they are only to be used by adults. Households with children and guns can be an extremely dangerous situation. If the child is told simply to not touch the gun then his/her first reaction will be curiosity about it. Teach children about firearms and always practice gun safety rules. The National Rifle Association gives tips on proper safe gun handling, “always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction, always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot, and always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use” (Connors 1). If a parent talks to the child about guns and proper gun safety then the child is less likely to be involved in gun violence. Educating our children about guns and gun misuse is a key factor in prevention of gun violence.Most juvenile gun violence occurs on the streets as a result of drug dealings. The dealers carry guns to protect their business while the members of the community carry guns to protect themselves from the drug dealers. This promotes a feeling of fear on the streets and causes more violence. The police can have an effect on this situation. The Kansas City Weed and Seed Program focuses on policing the streets in order to get guns off the streets. They use every op...
