Gun injuries are the leading cause of death for children and teens ages 1‑17, surpassing car crashes for the first time in two decades. 1
In the United States, people often think of gun violence as a topic with no common ground, but we agree on more than we think. And we can all agree that gun injuries shouldn’t be the #1 killer of kids. Gun violence may feel like a problem that’s too big to fix, but it isn’t.
Gun violence is preventable—and we all have a role to play. Let’s have conversations, find common ground, and work together to make our homes and communities safer for children and teens.
Start a conversation
Not sure where to start?
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Take action to reduce gun injuries.
Starting a conversation about gun violence is an important first step, and simple actions can make a measurable difference. For example, if you have firearms at home, always store them securely to prevent unintended access. Explore our tools and resources for more ways to protect children and teens from gun injuries.
82% of Americans agree that having more productive conversations can help reduce gun injury and death among children and teens.
Source: Ad Council-led Survey, 2024
Gun violence is a health crisis.
Agree to Agree is an initiative powered by a coalition of health care and brand leaders. These organizations have firsthand experience with the devastating toll gun violence takes on communities across the country. They’ve partnered with us to drive conversations, help people find common ground, and share evidence-based strategies for preventing firearm injuries.
Every community deserves safety
Community violence intervention (CVI) brings together people, programs, and deep local experience to prevent violence before it occurs and to support healing where harm has happened. Learn more about this lifesaving work.
Video transcript
Paul: Can I talk to you for a second?
I’m Paul, a violence intervention specialist.
How you feelin’?
Justin: Your mom’s been worried about you…
How you holdin’ up, bruh?
Voiceover: They shot my best friend.
That’s how I’m holdin’ up.
You think I can just let that slide?
Paul: And when I got shot, I was thinking the same thing.
But it’s not worth it.
Paola: What did we talk about?
Control your mindset and you control your actions.
Male Voiceover: So what do I do now?
Paul: Let’s start by you letting me know what you need.
Now, getting shot is a lot to heal from.
Not just your body, but your mind too.
Paola: Take a breath, right now.
Male Voiceover: [Exhale]
Paul: Let’s focus on getting you on your feet instead of getting even.
Paola: I know how hard that can be.
But I also know you have what it takes to get through this.
Justin: Those plans y’all talked about?
Let’s bring ’em to life. Let’s make ’em happen.
Male Voiceover: I hear you.
Paul: I got you.
AVO: When the right person shows up
in the right place
at the right time,
communities thrive,
tragedies drop.
And neighborhoods hear more laughter and fewer gunshots,
which means safer cities for all of us…
no matter where you’re from.
That’s what community safety looks like.
Learn how community violence intervention makes us all safer
at AgreeToAgree.org/safety.