To read more about this article go to www.pediatrics.org to read "June 2001, Pediatrics, "What do boys do when they find a real gun?"

Interesting isn't it. Boys like guns, boys want to handle guns, boys pull the trigger on guns no matter the type home from which they come. Curiosity killed the cat, but let it not kill our children.

Guns have been a part of the world for centuries, but only in the modern society do we need to get rid of them to keep our children safe? I think not. Safety lies in responsibility -- parental and societal.

So what does parental responsibility look like? First, if you know that your child will handle and pull gun triggers if found, then keep guns away and disabled. Store ammo and firing bolts separate from the gun. Ideally, lock them up in a gun safe. DO NOT give your kid the combination until late teens -- no exceptions.

Second, start gun education early. This is not limited to gun safety but includes gun consequences. Show your kids what happens when a gun fires in real life. Go target practicing show them the holes, shoot a bottle let them see it explode. A child can not appreciate the deadly force of a gun, if they do not see its force. Like a natural disaster, its force is not appreciated until witnessed.

Third, know your child's friends. Before your child goes to a neighbor's house, ask their parents if they have guns. "Do you store your bullets separate from your guns, will there be a responsible adult supervising the kids?" This is a reasonable question; it is not a violation of privacy. In like manner, give them your assurance back. Do not let your child play at a house where guns are not stored safely or where you do not know about guns. This will take time to determine, but your child is worth this effort. This sends an important message to your kids and their friends that they matter in this important issue.

Fourth, do not watch or listen to media that esteems guns or people that carry guns. This includes songs, games, magazines, movies, videos, and clothing. As the value of human life has gone down the interest in guns has gone up. Violent media devalues humans in word, thought, and deed. And we are told to by our God to think and do only those things that are pure, just, right, beautiful, etc. The effect of losing God's perspective has been more death and violence in our entertainment. Don't allow this to take place in your family (for more information read my newsletter, The Effects of Violent Media on Children's Brains at the website).

Lastly, our society has to take responsibility. No, not by having people give up owning guns, but by responsibly storing them and not tolerating media that devalues human life. This too is achieved when a society realizes lives are significant. When you value life you naturally store your weapons so no child can utilize them, you teach about gun consequences that show their effect on human life, and you do not accept entertainment that cheapens human beings.