Be SMART for Kids

Spreading the Be SMART Message in Alaska: ‘If We Can Prevent Even One Child Death, Then It Is Our Responsibility to Do So’ Gun ownership in Alaska is deeply intertwined with family, tradition, and a sense of protection. It is possible to balance hunting and gun ownership traditions with keeping kids and loved ones safe.

Our Alaska Be SMART volunteers encourage secure firearm storage that takes into account Alaska's unique relationship with firearm ownership.

Read more about their incredible work here: https://etwn.us/4nGJkwc #besmart

This #SuicidePreventionAwarenessMonth, and throughout the year, make sure to secure all guns in your home and vehicles.

Recognizing the role of guns in suicide is critical, and it’s clear that means matter―among commonly used methods of self-harm, firearms are by far the most lethal.

Removing access to firearms is the one of the most important interventions adults can take to prevent suicide by children and teens.

One moment of despair can turn deadly if guns are accessible. The gold standard for secure gun storage is to keep all guns unloaded, locked, and stored separately from ammunition. #SuicidePreventionAwarenessMonth

Research shows that an overwhelming majority of child firearm suicides take place in or around a home, and nearly 80% of these incidents involve a gun belonging to a family member.

Be SMART | Secure Gun Storage Be SMART raises awareness that secure gun storage — storing guns locked, unloaded and separate from ammunition — can save children’s lives. Learn more and join us.

The onus is on ADULTS to ensure children don’t access firearms. Be SMART for Kids: Assume curious children can and will find guns and store them unloaded, locked, and separate from ammunition.

Learn more about the importance of secure gun storage at besmartforkids.org.

First grader suspended for bringing gun to school, officials say A first-grade student has been suspended after a handgun was found in his possession Thursday at Pembroke Elementary School.

You read that right—a FIRST GRADER is facing a YEAR-LONG suspension for bringing a gun to school. No mention of who the gun belonged to or how the child gained access to it.

Multiple factors can elevate the risk of suicide, and action must be taken to address the root causes. But one thing is clear: Reducing access to firearms can significantly reduce risk. Always store firearms unloaded, locked, and, where possible, separate from ammunition.

School, relationships, anxiety, depression, and social media are just some of the stressors young people experience today.

More recently, volunteers learned that the Wicomico County Health Department also received a grant of $30,000 for secure firearm storage—providing funds for secure storage supplies over the next year!

Incredible work! #BeSMART

After forging a relationship with Dorchester County Health Department, our volunteers secured a $25,000 grant that will help purchase gun safes. Volunteers then distributed those safes and gun locks at our Wear Orange event, a library event, and other community events in Dorchester County.

Our Maryland Be SMART volunteers on the Eastern Shore have been collaborating with various departments of health to spread the life-saving message of secure firearm storage.

As adults, we can take steps to prevent many of these tragedies by making sure guns are always inaccessible to children and teens. Learn more about secure firearm storage and how to #BeSMART at besmartforkids.org. #SuicidePreventionAwarenessMonth

Guns are the number one killer of children in the US. What you may not know is that nearly one-third of child gun deaths are suicides, and over the past decade, the firearm suicide rate among young people has increased faster than among any other age group.

988 Lifeline At the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we understand that life’s challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you’re facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns…

Today, we’re joining the nationwide effort to raise awareness about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and promote accessible mental health support.

If you or someone in your life is in crisis, call or text 988, or chat online at 988lifeline.org, for 24/7 free, confidential support.

More than 700 children under 18 living in the US die by gun suicide every year. The dynamics of suicide are complex, but one thing is clear: Easy access to a gun can make the difference between life and death.

The tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic School during the week made the issue more pressing than ever.

Read about this powerful event and he non-political actions ALL adults can take to keep our children and communities safe: bit.ly/464MP7Z

As the mother of two students who survived a school shooting, Emily Schiltz knows all too well the lasting impact a school shooting has on a family and a community.

She and others volunteers planned a week of events during SMART Week to spread the word about the importance of secure gun storage.

Read about the inspiring work of the 2025 recipients, and about actions YOU can take to ensure that secure gun storage practices become the norm in your community: bit.ly/47kysPg

Be SMART Visionaries exemplify the very best of what the program stands for. They have reached new members of their communities, developed innovative approaches to education and outreach, and embedded Be SMART as a foundational value where they live and lead.

As we reach more people and ensure that secure gun storage practices become the norm in our communities, we’re creating a culture of responsibility that protects our children and strengthens public safety.

Learn more about sharing this life-saving message throughout the year at besmartforkids.org.

Thanks to everyone for making SMART Week a success! Over 1000 volunteers in 43 states came out to more than 500 #BeSMART events across the US, and advocates and partners at the local, state, & national levels teamed up to help us spread awareness about the critical importance of secure gun storage.

If you or a child in your life is in crisis, call or text 988, or chat online at 988lifeline.org, for 24/7 free, confidential support anywhere in the US. #SuicidePreventionAwarenessMonth

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. This month, we will call attention to the devastating impact of firearm suicide on young people in the US, and provide information about what we can do to prevent it.

SMART Week has come to an end but it's vitally important to continue to educate others about the importance of secure gun storage year round. Text SMART to 644-33 to learn how you can become more involved.

This SMART Week and throughout the year, start the conversation. By working together and spreading the word about secure firearm storage, we can create a culture of safety that benefits our children and communities and saves lives.

The letter T in #BeSMART stands for telling your friends and neighbors to Be SMART.

Guns are the leading cause of death for children and teens in the US. We can’t afford to stay silent.

This SMART Week we’re promoting secure gun storage to prevent kids under 18 and other unauthorized users from accessing guns. By educating the public on secure gun storage, we can reduce gun violence and create a safer environment for our families and neighbors as we embark on a new school year.

School shootings are every parent’s nightmare. We’ve seen time and again that when guns aren’t properly stored, tragedy can strike—and the research backs that up. In fact, roughly 76 percent of school shooters under 18 gained access to the gun used from the home of a parent or close family member.

The good news: More than 11 million students across the country now live in a school district that requires schools to educate parents about the critical importance of secure firearm storage in keeping schools safe—including through the distribution of Be SMART educational materials.