But they can also bring new safety risks, especially when firearms are involved. Teens should know how to stay safe around firearms. This includes at home, a friend’s house, a shooting range, or outdoors while hunting.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), safe storage is one of the most important ways to prevent firearm injuries and deaths in children and teens.1 Firearms should always be stored unloaded, locked, and separate from ammunition.
Talk Early and Often
Teens may come across a firearm before parents realize it. Some may see them at friends’ homes, in cars, in friend’s backpacks, or online.
Open and honest conversations can help teens make safer decisions.
Parents can ask questions like:
- “What would you do if a friend showed you a gun?”
- “Do you know how to leave an unsafe situation?”
- “Would you feel comfortable calling me for help?”
Teens should know they can always leave a situation that feels unsafe without fear of getting in trouble.
If You See a Gun, Stop and Get Help
Parents should teach their teens what to do if they find a firearm. These safety steps include:
- Do not touch the firearm.
- Leave the area.
- Tell a trusted adult right away. This includes a parent, teacher, school counselor, coach, or other trusted adult.
- All firearms should be treated as if they loaded and ready to shoot.3
BB Guns and Airsoft Guns Are Not Toys
In Florida, children under 16 years old can not use a BB gun unless supervised by an adult.6 Parents should consider supervising teens even when they are older.
Teens using these products should:
- Wear protective eye gear
- Never aim at another person
- Use only with adult supervision and in approved areas
- Store them safely when not in use
The AAP recommends paintball-style protective eyewear that meets ASTM F1776 safety standards when using BB guns, pellet guns, or airsoft guns.6
Paintball is also a popular recreational activity among teens. Teens should only participate at facilities with clear safety rules. They should use appropriate protective gear, including eye protection and clothing that covers all skin.
Safety at the Range or While Hunting
In South Florida, some teens participate in hunting or recreational shooting. Firearm education and supervision are important for reducing injuries.
Basic safety tips include:
- Always have adult supervision
- Never point a firearm towards anyone
- Assume all firearms are loaded and ready to fire
- Always point the firearm in a safe direction
- Never place your finger on the trigger until ready to shoot
- Wear eye and ear protection
- Never use firearms while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Teens should only handle firearms after proper training. They should always have responsible adult supervision.1,7
Mental Health and Firearm Safety
Teen years can come with stress, anxiety, and depression. Access to a firearm can increase the risk of serious injury or death.8
Firearms should always be stored locked, unloaded, and separate from ammunition. This is especially true if a teen is struggling emotionally. Families may consider temporarily removing firearms from the home during periods of crisis.
Parents can help by:
- Checking in regularly with their teen
- Having open conversations about emotions
A Shared Responsibility
Keeping teens safe around firearms takes teamwork. Parents, healthcare providers, and the community can all help. Simple conversations and safe storage practices can make a life-saving difference.
For more information about firearm safety tips for teens, call the Injury Free Coalition for Kids, a program of Jackson Hospital and University of Miami Funded by the Children’s Trust at 305-243-9080 or visit www.injuryfree.org.
- Citations
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Preventing Firearm Injuries in Children and Teens. HealthyChildren.org.
- Injury Free Miami. Hot Summer Safety Tips: Firearms Safety. Available at: InjuryFreeMiami.org
- Nemours KidsHealth. Gun Safety. Kidshealth.org
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Airsoft Guns: Aim for Safety. HealthyChildren.org.
- American Academy of Ophthalmology. Eye Injuries from BB and Pellet Guns. Aao.org
- Florida Legislature. Florida Statutes 2025, Section 790.22: Use of BB Guns, Air Rifles, and Other Weapons by Minor Under 16; Limitations; Possession of Firearms by Minor Under 18 Prohibited; Penalties. Flsenate.gov
- Have a conversation with your kids about gun safety (2024) Have a Conversation with Your Kids about Gun Safety. Available at: Projectchildsafe.org
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Prevent Youth Suicide: Remove or Lock Up Lethal Items at Home. HealthyChildren.org
