Gun Violence Prevention - Safety - Family Resources

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Calling for Action on Gun Violence Prevention

Firearm injury is the leading cause of death for children under the age of 19, surpassing car accidents, cancer and other diseases. For decades, PTA has taken stances on key gun violence prevention issues, such as advocating for safe and secure storage, supporting research on evidence-based strategies to reduce gun violence, closing loopholes on gun purchases and banning weapons that are most often used in school shootings.

Over six in 10 parents today report worrying about school violence, surpassing other common worries like academic achievement. Every year, an estimated 3 million American children witness gun violence, impacting their ability to learn and thrive.

kids leaving school

As PTA, we must work together to end the gun violence epidemic.

Take Action on Gun Violence

Blueprint for Parent Leaders to Take Action on Gun Violence Prevention

If you have been wondering how or where to start, our resource A Blueprint for Parent Leaders to Take Action on Gun Violence Prevention was created just for you. It gives you a framework to begin your advocacy journey and takes you through the process step by step.

The Blueprint

2023 Youth Risk Prevention Symposium

As a part of #PTAConLive23, we invite you to learn how to become trauma-informed during our symposium, Youth Risk Prevention: Protecting Our Children from Past & Future Trauma. Panelists include:

Anna King, Past National PTA President
Dr. Christopher M. Jones, U.S. Public Health Service Director for the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control
Dr. Stephanie J. Hull, President and CEO of Girls Inc.
Abigail Hurst, Director of Trauma-Informed Programs for Everytown for Gun Safety
Dr. Ross Greene, Advisory Council Member for the Attachment and Trauma Network

PTAs Impact on Bipartisan Safety Legislation

Check out special video remarks from United States Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut thanking PTA members for our historic and continuing impact on school safety across the country.

Most recently, National PTA and PTA members from across the country played a critical role in the passage of legislation addressing gun violence and youth mental health, including sending more than 14,000 messages to Congress and meeting with hundreds of lawmakers on Capitol Hill during our 2022 Hill Day Experience.

We are committed to continuing this work to prevent and eliminate gun violence, promote the safety and well-being of all children, and ensure every child has every opportunity to reach their full potential.

Ways to Take Action on Gun Violence

Contact Your Members of Congress TODAY!

Have two minutes to spare? Your message could change the course in the fight to end gun violence. Send an urgent message to your members of Congress today to insist they work across the aisle to pass sensible gun safety and violence prevention policies that ensure our children are protected from harm. Start now.

Take Action

You may also:

Find your Congressional Officials (Zip Code Search)
Sign Up for National PTA Takes Action Advocacy Alerts
Register to Vote

Resources on Mental Health, Grief and Loss

Checklist to Help Prevent Violence in Schools

Follow these 10 things you can do to prevent violence in your school community.

View All Ten Things

Talk to Your Children

Talking with Children about Difficult Situations

Children are aware of what is happening in the world around them. When frightening or violent incidents occur, both children and adults may experience a range of emotions including fear, confusion, sadness and anger. Take a look at the following advice to counteract negative emotions and have successful discussions that promote positive actions.

Advice in Seven Steps

Healthy Minds: Mental Health

PTA believes that mental health should be an everyday priority, but it becomes even more important in crisis. So, we've created tips and resources for families at any stage of the journey, including grief and loss.

Family Toolkit