Elementary school teachers' involvement in firearm safety education

J Sch Health. 2005 Mar;75(3):105-11.

Abstract

This national study assessed elementary school teachers' (n = 352) firearm safety education activities and perceptions using a 3-wave mailing survey. One percent of the teachers reported receiving undergraduate training regarding firearm safety. Yet, 12% claimed to be well prepared or very well prepared to teach firearm safety. Most teachers had high perceived self-efficacy regarding teaching firearm safety and perceived firearm safety education as important. Ten percent were currently teaching firearm safety. Teachers perceived 3 main barriers to teaching firearm safety: not enough expertise (66%), not sure what topics should be taught (58%), and not enough time to include firearm safety in the curriculum (54%). About one third (35%) desired further information regarding teaching firearm safety.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Attitude
  • Child
  • Curriculum
  • Data Collection
  • Faculty*
  • Female
  • Firearms*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Safety*
  • Wounds, Gunshot / prevention & control