Project ChildSafe Program Celebrates 25 Years

This year, 2024, marks the 25-year anniversary of Project ChildSafe, the firearm safety and education program of National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the Firearm Industry Trade Association. Since its inception, Project ChildSafe has raised awareness about safely handling and securely storing firearms when they are not in use, along with educating children about firearm safety.

Started in 1999, Project ChildSafe began in just five cities in the United States and has grown to serve all 50 states and the five U.S. territories. To date, Project ChildSafe has distributed more than 41 million safety kits, which include a cable-style gun-locking device and educational brochures available at no cost to gun owners. The firearm safety kits are distributed through partnerships with more than 15,000 local law enforcement agencies and 13,000 organizational partners.

“For 25 years, Project ChildSafe has operated on both the national and local levels to provide genuine firearm safety solutions to communities that need them most,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF president and CEO. “Since its launch, fatal firearm accidents have dropped to historic lows. The program also aims to prevent firearm thefts and suicide.”

“Prevention can be challenging to measure, but over the years we’ve heard stories firsthand of how our safety kits have saved lives by preventing accidents and suicides,” said Bill Brassard, NSSF senior communications director. “Project ChildSafe continues to evolve and expand its resources, adding materials on mental health, suicide prevention and assisting parents with having conversations about gun safety with their children.”

NRA’s Eddie Eagle program began in 1988 and includes personal visits by Eddie Eagle and his Wing Team teaching children from pre-K to the fourth grade to do if they see a gun—stop, don’t touch, run away and tell an adult. A variety of law enforcement agencies, as well as other groups, have adopted the program. The success has been well documented in its 36-year history and effectiveness confirmed by major news outlets.

Both programs highlight the firearm industry’s unfailing dedication to safety.