Associations Between Gun Storage Practices and Parenting Practices: A Pennsylvania Study

This study examines how parenting practices might relate to home gun storage practices, even after accounting for sociodemographic correlates found in past research. First, parenting practices of personal gun owners, household gun owners, and nonowners are compared. Second, the study identifies associations among parenting practices, household gun storage, and juvenile access to household firearms. Data were obtained in October 2019 through an online survey of 525 Pennsylvania parents of youth ages 12–17. Respondents were selected to mirror Pennsylvania demographics. Results indicated no differences in parenting practices based on household gun ownership. Yet, personal gun ownership was associated with more inconsistency in discipline and poor monitoring and supervision. Poor supervision and monitoring were not associated with firearm storage practices. Parents who reported poorer supervision and monitoring were more likely to allow their child gun access. There was no link between parental involvement and household firearm practices. Parents who used inconsistent discipline also had inconsistent firearm storage practices. Positive discipline and communication were associated with storing guns locked.