The Current Plight of Gun Control & Children Safety in the US.

Just this month, at least 57 people have died in 38 mass shootings in the U.S., with another 133 injured. The most recent being this week in Nashville, Tennessee at a Christian school, leaving 6 dead, Three of which were children under the age of 10.

The issue of gun control has been a long-standing and contentious topic in the United States. Despite the numerous mass shootings and deaths caused by firearms, the country continues to resist implementing strict laws and regulations surrounding gun ownership. However, it is not only adults who are affected by the lack of gun control in the country, but children as well. In fact, gun violence is now the leading cause of death in children in the United States.

The gun-death rate for children is nearly five in every 100,000. It was flat for more than a decade starting in 2000, and most years fewer than three in every 100,000 children were killed by guns. In 2014, the rate began to creep up, and by 2020 guns became the leading killer of children.

These statistics are alarming, and the impact on families and communities is devastating. Children who are exposed to gun violence are more likely to suffer from mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Moreover, children who witness gun violence are more likely to experience difficulties in school and social situations.

One of the reasons for the high number of gun deaths among children is the ease of access to firearms. In many states, it is legal to own a firearm without a permit, and there are no requirements for background checks or waiting periods. This means that anyone, including minors, can easily obtain a firearm. Furthermore, many gun owners do not properly store their firearms, leaving them accessible to children and increasing the risk of accidental shootings.

Another contributing factor to the high number of gun deaths among children is the prevalence of gun violence in certain communities. Children growing up in these areas are more likely to be exposed to gun violence, both in their neighborhoods and at school. The trauma and fear caused by this exposure can have lifelong consequences.

The lack of action on gun control by lawmakers in the United States is a cause for concern. While there are some regulations in place, such as background checks for firearm purchases, they are not comprehensive or stringent enough to prevent the high number of deaths and injuries caused by guns. In fact, some politicians continue to resist any form of gun control, arguing that it is a violation of the Second Amendment and the right to bear arms.

However, it is important to remember that the right to bear arms does not outweigh the safety of children and families in the United States. There is a need for comprehensive gun control measures that prioritize the safety of children and communities, including mandatory background checks, waiting periods, and stricter regulations on the types of firearms that can be owned.