For Schools
Help Prevent Violence Before It Happens
In the U.S., 6.7 million children live in homes with guns that are both loaded and unlocked. Unsecured firearms can lead to tragedy inside or out of the classroom. Sharing the importance of secure gun storage with families and staff is one way you can help keep your students safe.
3/4
Three-quarters of school shooters acquired their firearm from the home of a parent or close relative.
Source: National Threat Assessment Center, “Protecting America’s Schools: A US Secret Service Analysis of Targeted School Violence,” US Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security, 2019, https://bit.ly/2U7vnwa.
If you’re a student…
You Shouldn’t Be Afraid
to Go to School
See where there have been incidents of gunfire on school grounds, learn about how your school district can take action to protect students and families, and find resources to share with staff and families to educate them about the importance of secure gun storage.
Students can support the Be SMART program in various ways, including:
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Encouraging their school district to share information about secure gun storage with parents and caregivers
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Talking to teachers, mentors, and family members about the Be SMART framework so they are aware of the dangers of an unsecured gun and can help spread the message about secure firearm storage
Our Impact
Following a Be SMART presentation, the school invited parents to sign a Family Pledge for Security and Safety from Guns. Over two years, 90% of parents signed — pledging to follow secure storage recommendations and keep their school and community safe.
Peggy N.
K–8th school partner
Missouri
Resources
Support for Staff and Families
See where there have been incidents of gunfire on school grounds, learn about how your school district can take action to protect students and families, and find resources to share with staff and families to educate them about the importance of secure gun storage.
Partner With Us
Bring Be SMART to
Your Department
Be SMART is an educational, non-political, bipartisan brand that speaks to all adults: gun owners and non-gun owners alike.
Get in touch and we can work with you to determine how Be SMART can work with your department.
Partners Receive
- Licensed access to co-branded materials
- Messaging guidance and support from Be SMART staff
- Support for preventing child deaths and promoting safety