March 7, 2024 • 16 mins
Today we are talking about kids and safety and will be speaking with some experts right here in the OSD - School Resource Officer Schewe and OSD parent and Be SMART advocate, Katie Smart, who will give us practical tips for keeping our kids safe.
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Episode Transcript
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SPEAKER1:
Today we're talking about kids and safety, and we will be speaking with some
experts right here in the OSD (00:00):
School Resource Officer Schewe and OSD
parent and BeSMART advocate, Katie Smart, who will give us practical tips forkeeping our kids safe.
SPEAKER2: Welcome to this episode of Inside the OSD podcast, where it's all about the kids. (00:19):
undefined
Here is your host, lifelong educator in our superintendent, Doctor LeslieBergstrom.
SPEAKER1: Welcome. Let's get right to it. (00:32):
undefined
Let's start with you, officer Schewe, could you please introduce yourself toour listeners and your background in the OSD?
SPEAKER3: Yeah. Thank you for having me join you on this event. (00:40):
undefined
Uh, I'm Officer Kyle Schewe.
I'm with the Oregon Police Department.
I've been with Oregon for nine years.
I've worked, uh, many shifts in my time and twice with the schools.
This is my second time as the school resource officer.
Uh, interesting fact.
I graduated from Oregon High School, and that was a very interesting thing forme to come back and holds a special spot in my heart for, uh, the schools and a
(01:06):
very fun time for me to be involved in that way.
I cover all seven schools.
One thing that comes up a lot with parents is what school are you in?
And I cover all seven.
I typically stay in Oregon, but I make my way out to Forest Edge and Brooklynon a regular basis and check in with them.
Uh, it could be seen at lunches, recesses, passing times.
So most of the time when kids are in learning, I'm maybe interacting with moreadministrative side.
(01:30):
But when the kids are out and about, I'm going to be out and about.
So typically in a school or at a lunch or a recess is where you'll commonlyfind me.
SPEAKER1: That's nice. Thank you, kyle. (01:39):
undefined
Another interesting fact is I was your high school associate principal when youwere in high school.
So I've, uh, basically watched you grow up.
And it was very nice to have you here, because anyone who meets you can tellimmediately that you're well suited to working with students.
So what is special to you about being an SRO?
SPEAKER3: Yeah, I've really enjoyed this role. (01:58):
undefined
It's, uh, I've always said this is the most rewarding thing I've ever done.
I enjoy this position a ton.
I enjoy working with the youth in our schools, obviously.
Um, maybe a little bit in my head is that I was once in that world, and I findthat I can be a great resource to kids families.
(02:19):
Um, the goal is always building relationships.
This isn't a punitive style program.
Our the chief -- chief Pagenkopf has built a great program in that it's notalways the goal is not to, um, be punitive.
It's more of an educational resource to student and families.
And ironically, it's paid dividends for me is I don't always see it originally,but there's many a times where I'm out in the community with my family.
(02:41):
Or maybe I'm working in the summer when school is not in session and kids arecomfortable, or as they grow into adults, they feel comfortable and come up to
me, um, compared to my partners, just because they know that we've built thatrelationship.
So there's a lot of work that goes into that prior to, uh, that relationshipbeing built.
And it just shows in that world.
I don't always know what's going to happen, but it's when it does, it's veryspecial.
(03:04):
And it really enjoyed that.
Uh, the other, um, aside from just simply getting to play maybe a game ofkickball here or there, that's always a good time as well.
So a lot of time spent at lunch and recess.
We mentor, uh, you know, and the the great thing about this position is we havemore time on our hands.
We sit down with families or sit down with the kid and educate them on thetopic that maybe is coming up.
(03:26):
It might be as simple as, uh, something that wouldn't be normally something apolice would deal with, but we're just going to educate on, "hey, this is what
curfew laws are" or "this is what they are" so a kid knows what the answer -- I've had.
Um, one of the more interesting ones.
I had a kid one time talk about can he drive his tractor to school?
Um, so we educate on what the rules of the road are and things like that.
And always the most important thing in my world, I think, is I bring theparents in.
(03:49):
So before we sit and talk, we make sure the parents are on board and we'regoing to say, "hey, we just want to talk about this.
Are you okay with that?" They can be on the phone.
They can come in.
Um, and we communicate that ahead of time and we try to make sure we get allthat information out and help kids learn that.
As a student myself, I wanted to know, "what are the what do I need to know?"Otherwise, it's just very intimidating dealing with police or dealing with, um,
(04:12):
real life situations.
So it's a chance for us to educate and talk through everything.
SPEAKER1: Thank you. So in addition to your responsibilities in the school district, you're also a member of the Oregon Police Department. (04:16):
undefined
So you have a community perspective too.
So what are the main safety tips you have for families about keeping kids safe?
SPEAKER3: Yeah, one thing we talk a lot about with kids and families is just the main thing is communication. (04:31):
undefined
Make sure that you're communicating with your kids and learning.
This world is ever changing.
I can say that obviously I haven't been in high school for a long, long time,but I can know that it's a lot different than when I was in school.
They're they're dealing with a lot more stressors than we.
It was social media and just, um, way more expectations than some of us evenhad as young youth.
(04:59):
Um, so make sure you're communicating and learning from them, helping themnavigate these hard worlds, and especially post pandemic and things like that.
Uh, one thing that we deal with a lot in my role is internet and social media.
So just knowing those different sites that your kids are on and understandingthem, and don't be afraid to ask.
If you need to work with a principal or the or the police, like we're all hereto provide a resource to families.
(05:21):
This this isn't just a school resource officer for students.
Like, we will help families too in any way we can.
And the other thing that we're seeing, you know, we see things as substanceabuse.
Um, it could be something as simple as like.
Nicotine, which is found at gas stations all the way up to, you know, largerissues that are really concerning for our community.
But know that we have resources available to help people that need help withthat.
(05:42):
Um, we work through these issues with kids and talk to them about the differentissues that come along with substance abuse.
So we try to be vigilant and help help out where we can.
Know that the police department has a lot of great resources for you.
Um, an example be like medication lock boxes.
We have a lot of those type of things that are available.
Um, when it comes to like firearms, we have items like gun locks that weprovide there at the PD.
(06:06):
Please stop by if you ever need anything like that.
We're more than happy to find them.
We've actually at times found that some of our firearm um, locks were not themost effective.
So we've ordered different ones and help families get what is most beneficialto them.
SPEAKER1: Thank you. And that's a great segue to our next guest, Katie Smart. (06:20):
undefined
So could you please introduce yourself to our listeners and your work with BeSMART?
Yeah. Thanks for having me today.
I really appreciate it.
Um, I am a mom of two.
I have a son at RCI and a daughter who's a kindergartner in Brooklyn.
Um, we've been in Oregon for about 11 years now, so I didn't graduate fromOregon.
(06:44):
Um, I wasn't in your high school, so she would not know -- I graduated fromVerona, so it's close, but, um.
Yeah, I volunteer with an educational campaign called BeSMART.
Um, and the fact that my last name is Smart is purely a coincidence.
This is not my program.
It is a nice one. It's very nice.
Um, but BeSMART is -- it's a national program designed to promote awarenessabout the importance of secure gun storage and the roles that both gun owners
(07:11):
and non-gun owners alike both have a role in that.
Both can help keep kids safe through secure gun storage.
And so I work with BeSMART -- well, I volunteer with BeSMART and really try andget the message out into communities.
You know, our own community here, of course, as well as throughout Dane County,even throughout the state.
Um, just trying to spread the awareness and normalize the conversations aroundfirearms and the importance of locking them up.
(07:36):
And one thing I do like to mention whenever I talk about BeSMART is that it isnot a partisan program.
It's not a political program.
It really is all about safety.
Um, you know, I know things are partisan these days, many things that maybeeven weren't before, but this one really just focuses on safety.
You know, we know that we all want kids to grow up happy and healthy.
(07:58):
We know that we all, um, have the right to make responsible decisions about howto protect our homes and our families and our communities, and that includes
whether or not you have a gun in your house.
And if we can prevent even one child gun death or injury, it really is ourresponsibility to do so.
So I just I like to mention that because it really, you know, there is nostance on should you have a gun, should you not have a gun.
(08:20):
It's not that. It's all about the importance of secure storage.
Thank you. That's very noteworthy.
And what led to your involvement with BeSMART?
There are lots of wonderful things to volunteer for.
So what drew you to this?
Yeah. Um, you know, school shootings are obviously scary.
Um, I was in high school when Columbine happened, and, you know, of course,they continue, um, you know, and I used to think before I had kids like, "okay,
(08:44):
this, you know, this is a problem now, it won't be a problem when I have kids."And by the time they get to school and lo and behold, it's still happening.
Um, and so that was kind of, you know, what kick started it, I guess you couldsay.
And then, of course, having had kids puts everything into perspective.
And so, um, that really helped motivated -- helped motivate me.
And so, you know, I went looking to see what is out there.
(09:07):
I found the BeSMART program and was really drawn to that because, you know, itisn't political.
I liked that, I really liked that.
It's more about prevention.
And so how can we prevent it in the first place rather than reacting on thebackside?
Um, I like the focus on the children.
You know, they are our most vulnerable group.
And so what can we do as an adult to help keep them safe?
(09:30):
And I also like that it really emphasized community involvement.
You know, I think that, you know, a lot of people expect schools to fix thingsor police departments to fix things or, you know, government.
And, you know, we all have things we need to do.
But this is also a community issue and things that everybody can have a rolein.
Okay, that's that's a perfect way to move into the next question, which is whatare some simple, practical things that families can do to ensure that their kids
(09:56):
are safe when it comes to firearms that may be in their own homes or homes ofrelatives or homes of the people they visit, or the the
families that their children visit?
Right? Yeah. That's so important.
Um, the Smart in BeSMART is an acronym.
So this is really a five step framework with five simple steps that everybodycan do.
(10:19):
Um, so the S in Smart stands for Secure all guns in your homes and vehicles.
And so, you know, it's really about locking up the firearms.
You know, hiding a gun is not the same thing as securing a gun.
You know, you might think, "oh, it's hidden in the closet.
The kids won't find it." The kids do find it.
They know where stuff is.
I lock up Christmas presents for a reason because kids can always find them.
(10:39):
So, um, it really is about locking up the gun, you know, ideally storing itseparately from ammunition, keeping them unloaded.
Um, because accidents happen.
And so, you know, in July of 2022 and in Milwaukee, actually, you know, therewas an instance where a six year old unintentionally shot a three year old
because they found a loaded gun in a purse in the house.
(11:02):
And so, you know, it's -- it's tragic, it's awful.
And, you know, it is preventable because, you know, kids are not going to gettheir hands on a gun if it didn't first go through the hands of an adult.
So how can we be responsible?
Keep them locked up, keep them secure.
Um, the M then in Smart is Model responsible behavior.
And so you know that again is really about the onus being on the adults, notexpecting a curious kid to find one and know what to do with it, but really
(11:31):
making the responsible the choice to lock up guns.
Um, one study had actually shown that one third of kids reported handling theirparents gun and their parents didn't know about it.
So they do find them.
They can get their hands on them.
And so just, you know, being proactive in that.
And then of course, talking to your kids about it, you know, this isn't to say,"well, just don't have the conversation" because the conversation is still
(11:52):
important with them.
Um, but also recognize the role that you might have as a gun owner.
Um, the A in Smart gets a little bit to what you were talking about, which isAsking about the presence of unsecured guns in other homes.
And so, um, this one I really like, it's, you know, if you're sending yourchild to a playdate or right, to a family member's house, a friend's house,
(12:14):
asking about the presence of unsecured guns before you send them over.
Um, I think it can maybe feel a little awkward in the beginning, the first timeor two that you ask, but I know personally, for me it has gotten much easier.
Now. I've I've asked that many different times, and the responses are alwaysvery positive, in fact.
So, you know, I'll often ask over text and, you know, people are like, "oh,that's a great question.
(12:37):
Maybe I've never been asked that or thanks for asking." Right.
Um, so especially, you know, with spring break coming up and other breakperiods, you know, kids are going to be out and about.
And so do you know where you're sending them?
Because we do have in the US, 4.6 million kids live in a house with, um, atleast one loaded unlocked firearm.
So. Wow, it's yeah, that stat in particular is one that I'm always blows meaway, even though I've I know it, but it's it's surprising.
(13:05):
And so I think it just really drives home the importance of asking about gunsbefore sending kids to somebody else's house.
Um, the R - another simple step in BeSMART is Recognizing the role of guns andsuicide.
Um, we know that nationally, over 700 kids per year die by firearm suicide.
Um, just really tragic.
(13:26):
Of course. Um, again, it is preventable.
We know that 90% of suicide attempts using a gun end in death, whereas 70% ofpeople who survive a suicide attempt will never attempt suicide
again. And so, um, by having access to an unsecured gun, you are potentiallytaking away that second chance.
And, you know, we know kids are impulsive.
(13:47):
And so it's just being cognizant of that and and keeping all of that in mind.
That's a
SPEAKER4: powerful statistic. (13:52):
undefined
The two of those together.
SPEAKER1: Yeah, absolutely. (13:55):
undefined
It is. Um, and then the T in BeSMART is just tell everybody, you know to BeSmart.
So thank you for letting me come on and tell everybody I know to be smart.
But, um, you know, just really working to normalize the conversation so itdoesn't feel awkward.
Um, it really is an important piece, I think, to keep our kids and communityand teachers and staff and everybody safe.
(14:15):
Absolutely. And then finally, there's an upcoming class year leading through
SPEAKER4: our community education program. (14:18):
undefined
So can you talk with us about the logistics and what people can expect if theyattend?
SPEAKER1: Yeah. Um, so it's going to be Monday, March 18th from 6:30 to 7:30. (14:25):
undefined
It's in person at the Oregon High School.
And we'll just talk about BeSMART.
I have, um, kind of a community presentation that we'll go through that delvesa little more into all of this.
Um, and then, you know, I'm really hoping for some good discussion from folksto see, you know, what do they think about it?
Do they have thoughts on how maybe we could get the message out a little morebroadly, maybe talk about how do you make that ask exactly before you send your
(14:54):
kids over. So, um, you know, it's an hour.
I'm and like I said, I really hope for some good discussion and some good backand forth on how we can make the program.
SPEAKER4: Well, even if we just have a few families who then feel more comfortable asking the question, then that is worth an hour, isn't it? (15:03):
undefined
That's right. That's great.
SPEAKER1: And I have even found personally, if I have if my kids have friends coming over, I will offer up to their parents, you know, like, "okay, we're not a gun owner," (15:11):
undefined
so they can kind of have free reign of the house.
Um, and oftentimes then I will get the response from that other parent, "oh, wedon't have guns either, or we do, but they're locked up." So if you're not
comfortable asking, sometimes putting yourself out there first.
SPEAKER4: Good tip. (15:31):
undefined
SPEAKER1: Yeah, it can be helpful. (15:32):
undefined
Yeah.
SPEAKER4: Well, thank you so much to both of you for your service, your efforts and your passion for keeping kids safe. (15:35):
undefined
Remember that you can find links to all episodes of Inside the OSD and submittopic ideas on our website at Oregonsd.org/
podcast. You can find this podcast anywhere you can find podcasts.
(15:57):
Make sure to subscribe if you're listening on one of these apps to getnotifications on the most recent episodes.
We'll see you next time on Inside the OSD, where it's all about the kids.
School Resource Officer Schewe and OSD
parent and BeSMART advocate, Katie Smart, who will give us practical tips forkeeping our kids safe.
SPEAKER2: Welcome to this episode of Inside the OSD podcast, where it's all about the kids. (00:19):
undefined
Here is your host, lifelong educator in our superintendent, Doctor LeslieBergstrom.
SPEAKER1: Welcome. Let's get right to it. (00:32):
undefined
Let's start with you, officer Schewe, could you please introduce yourself toour listeners and your background in the OSD?
SPEAKER3: Yeah. Thank you for having me join you on this event. (00:40):
undefined
Uh, I'm Officer Kyle Schewe.
I'm with the Oregon Police Department.
I've been with Oregon for nine years.
I've worked, uh, many shifts in my time and twice with the schools.
This is my second time as the school resource officer.
Uh, interesting fact.
I graduated from Oregon High School, and that was a very interesting thing forme to come back and holds a special spot in my heart for, uh, the schools and a
(01:06):
very fun time for me to be involved in that way.
I cover all seven schools.
One thing that comes up a lot with parents is what school are you in?
And I cover all seven.
I typically stay in Oregon, but I make my way out to Forest Edge and Brooklynon a regular basis and check in with them.
Uh, it could be seen at lunches, recesses, passing times.
So most of the time when kids are in learning, I'm maybe interacting with moreadministrative side.
(01:30):
But when the kids are out and about, I'm going to be out and about.
So typically in a school or at a lunch or a recess is where you'll commonlyfind me.
SPEAKER1: That's nice. Thank you, kyle. (01:39):
undefined
Another interesting fact is I was your high school associate principal when youwere in high school.
So I've, uh, basically watched you grow up.
And it was very nice to have you here, because anyone who meets you can tellimmediately that you're well suited to working with students.
So what is special to you about being an SRO?
SPEAKER3: Yeah, I've really enjoyed this role. (01:58):
undefined
It's, uh, I've always said this is the most rewarding thing I've ever done.
I enjoy this position a ton.
I enjoy working with the youth in our schools, obviously.
Um, maybe a little bit in my head is that I was once in that world, and I findthat I can be a great resource to kids families.
(02:19):
Um, the goal is always building relationships.
This isn't a punitive style program.
Our the chief -- chief Pagenkopf has built a great program in that it's notalways the goal is not to, um, be punitive.
It's more of an educational resource to student and families.
And ironically, it's paid dividends for me is I don't always see it originally,but there's many a times where I'm out in the community with my family.
(02:41):
Or maybe I'm working in the summer when school is not in session and kids arecomfortable, or as they grow into adults, they feel comfortable and come up to
me, um, compared to my partners, just because they know that we've built thatrelationship.
So there's a lot of work that goes into that prior to, uh, that relationshipbeing built.
And it just shows in that world.
I don't always know what's going to happen, but it's when it does, it's veryspecial.
(03:04):
And it really enjoyed that.
Uh, the other, um, aside from just simply getting to play maybe a game ofkickball here or there, that's always a good time as well.
So a lot of time spent at lunch and recess.
We mentor, uh, you know, and the the great thing about this position is we havemore time on our hands.
We sit down with families or sit down with the kid and educate them on thetopic that maybe is coming up.
(03:26):
It might be as simple as, uh, something that wouldn't be normally something apolice would deal with, but we're just going to educate on, "hey, this is what
curfew laws are" or "this is what they are" so a kid knows what the answer -- I've had.
Um, one of the more interesting ones.
I had a kid one time talk about can he drive his tractor to school?
Um, so we educate on what the rules of the road are and things like that.
And always the most important thing in my world, I think, is I bring theparents in.
(03:49):
So before we sit and talk, we make sure the parents are on board and we'regoing to say, "hey, we just want to talk about this.
Are you okay with that?" They can be on the phone.
They can come in.
Um, and we communicate that ahead of time and we try to make sure we get allthat information out and help kids learn that.
As a student myself, I wanted to know, "what are the what do I need to know?"Otherwise, it's just very intimidating dealing with police or dealing with, um,
(04:12):
real life situations.
So it's a chance for us to educate and talk through everything.
SPEAKER1: Thank you. So in addition to your responsibilities in the school district, you're also a member of the Oregon Police Department. (04:16):
undefined
So you have a community perspective too.
So what are the main safety tips you have for families about keeping kids safe?
SPEAKER3: Yeah, one thing we talk a lot about with kids and families is just the main thing is communication. (04:31):
undefined
Make sure that you're communicating with your kids and learning.
This world is ever changing.
I can say that obviously I haven't been in high school for a long, long time,but I can know that it's a lot different than when I was in school.
They're they're dealing with a lot more stressors than we.
It was social media and just, um, way more expectations than some of us evenhad as young youth.
(04:59):
Um, so make sure you're communicating and learning from them, helping themnavigate these hard worlds, and especially post pandemic and things like that.
Uh, one thing that we deal with a lot in my role is internet and social media.
So just knowing those different sites that your kids are on and understandingthem, and don't be afraid to ask.
If you need to work with a principal or the or the police, like we're all hereto provide a resource to families.
(05:21):
This this isn't just a school resource officer for students.
Like, we will help families too in any way we can.
And the other thing that we're seeing, you know, we see things as substanceabuse.
Um, it could be something as simple as like.
Nicotine, which is found at gas stations all the way up to, you know, largerissues that are really concerning for our community.
But know that we have resources available to help people that need help withthat.
(05:42):
Um, we work through these issues with kids and talk to them about the differentissues that come along with substance abuse.
So we try to be vigilant and help help out where we can.
Know that the police department has a lot of great resources for you.
Um, an example be like medication lock boxes.
We have a lot of those type of things that are available.
Um, when it comes to like firearms, we have items like gun locks that weprovide there at the PD.
(06:06):
Please stop by if you ever need anything like that.
We're more than happy to find them.
We've actually at times found that some of our firearm um, locks were not themost effective.
So we've ordered different ones and help families get what is most beneficialto them.
SPEAKER1: Thank you. And that's a great segue to our next guest, Katie Smart. (06:20):
undefined
So could you please introduce yourself to our listeners and your work with BeSMART?
Yeah. Thanks for having me today.
I really appreciate it.
Um, I am a mom of two.
I have a son at RCI and a daughter who's a kindergartner in Brooklyn.
Um, we've been in Oregon for about 11 years now, so I didn't graduate fromOregon.
(06:44):
Um, I wasn't in your high school, so she would not know -- I graduated fromVerona, so it's close, but, um.
Yeah, I volunteer with an educational campaign called BeSMART.
Um, and the fact that my last name is Smart is purely a coincidence.
This is not my program.
It is a nice one. It's very nice.
Um, but BeSMART is -- it's a national program designed to promote awarenessabout the importance of secure gun storage and the roles that both gun owners
(07:11):
and non-gun owners alike both have a role in that.
Both can help keep kids safe through secure gun storage.
And so I work with BeSMART -- well, I volunteer with BeSMART and really try andget the message out into communities.
You know, our own community here, of course, as well as throughout Dane County,even throughout the state.
Um, just trying to spread the awareness and normalize the conversations aroundfirearms and the importance of locking them up.
(07:36):
And one thing I do like to mention whenever I talk about BeSMART is that it isnot a partisan program.
It's not a political program.
It really is all about safety.
Um, you know, I know things are partisan these days, many things that maybeeven weren't before, but this one really just focuses on safety.
You know, we know that we all want kids to grow up happy and healthy.
(07:58):
We know that we all, um, have the right to make responsible decisions about howto protect our homes and our families and our communities, and that includes
whether or not you have a gun in your house.
And if we can prevent even one child gun death or injury, it really is ourresponsibility to do so.
So I just I like to mention that because it really, you know, there is nostance on should you have a gun, should you not have a gun.
(08:20):
It's not that. It's all about the importance of secure storage.
Thank you. That's very noteworthy.
And what led to your involvement with BeSMART?
There are lots of wonderful things to volunteer for.
So what drew you to this?
Yeah. Um, you know, school shootings are obviously scary.
Um, I was in high school when Columbine happened, and, you know, of course,they continue, um, you know, and I used to think before I had kids like, "okay,
(08:44):
this, you know, this is a problem now, it won't be a problem when I have kids."And by the time they get to school and lo and behold, it's still happening.
Um, and so that was kind of, you know, what kick started it, I guess you couldsay.
And then, of course, having had kids puts everything into perspective.
And so, um, that really helped motivated -- helped motivate me.
And so, you know, I went looking to see what is out there.
(09:07):
I found the BeSMART program and was really drawn to that because, you know, itisn't political.
I liked that, I really liked that.
It's more about prevention.
And so how can we prevent it in the first place rather than reacting on thebackside?
Um, I like the focus on the children.
You know, they are our most vulnerable group.
And so what can we do as an adult to help keep them safe?
(09:30):
And I also like that it really emphasized community involvement.
You know, I think that, you know, a lot of people expect schools to fix thingsor police departments to fix things or, you know, government.
And, you know, we all have things we need to do.
But this is also a community issue and things that everybody can have a rolein.
Okay, that's that's a perfect way to move into the next question, which is whatare some simple, practical things that families can do to ensure that their kids
(09:56):
are safe when it comes to firearms that may be in their own homes or homes ofrelatives or homes of the people they visit, or the the
families that their children visit?
Right? Yeah. That's so important.
Um, the Smart in BeSMART is an acronym.
So this is really a five step framework with five simple steps that everybodycan do.
(10:19):
Um, so the S in Smart stands for Secure all guns in your homes and vehicles.
And so, you know, it's really about locking up the firearms.
You know, hiding a gun is not the same thing as securing a gun.
You know, you might think, "oh, it's hidden in the closet.
The kids won't find it." The kids do find it.
They know where stuff is.
I lock up Christmas presents for a reason because kids can always find them.
(10:39):
So, um, it really is about locking up the gun, you know, ideally storing itseparately from ammunition, keeping them unloaded.
Um, because accidents happen.
And so, you know, in July of 2022 and in Milwaukee, actually, you know, therewas an instance where a six year old unintentionally shot a three year old
because they found a loaded gun in a purse in the house.
(11:02):
And so, you know, it's -- it's tragic, it's awful.
And, you know, it is preventable because, you know, kids are not going to gettheir hands on a gun if it didn't first go through the hands of an adult.
So how can we be responsible?
Keep them locked up, keep them secure.
Um, the M then in Smart is Model responsible behavior.
And so you know that again is really about the onus being on the adults, notexpecting a curious kid to find one and know what to do with it, but really
(11:31):
making the responsible the choice to lock up guns.
Um, one study had actually shown that one third of kids reported handling theirparents gun and their parents didn't know about it.
So they do find them.
They can get their hands on them.
And so just, you know, being proactive in that.
And then of course, talking to your kids about it, you know, this isn't to say,"well, just don't have the conversation" because the conversation is still
(11:52):
important with them.
Um, but also recognize the role that you might have as a gun owner.
Um, the A in Smart gets a little bit to what you were talking about, which isAsking about the presence of unsecured guns in other homes.
And so, um, this one I really like, it's, you know, if you're sending yourchild to a playdate or right, to a family member's house, a friend's house,
(12:14):
asking about the presence of unsecured guns before you send them over.
Um, I think it can maybe feel a little awkward in the beginning, the first timeor two that you ask, but I know personally, for me it has gotten much easier.
Now. I've I've asked that many different times, and the responses are alwaysvery positive, in fact.
So, you know, I'll often ask over text and, you know, people are like, "oh,that's a great question.
(12:37):
Maybe I've never been asked that or thanks for asking." Right.
Um, so especially, you know, with spring break coming up and other breakperiods, you know, kids are going to be out and about.
And so do you know where you're sending them?
Because we do have in the US, 4.6 million kids live in a house with, um, atleast one loaded unlocked firearm.
So. Wow, it's yeah, that stat in particular is one that I'm always blows meaway, even though I've I know it, but it's it's surprising.
(13:05):
And so I think it just really drives home the importance of asking about gunsbefore sending kids to somebody else's house.
Um, the R - another simple step in BeSMART is Recognizing the role of guns andsuicide.
Um, we know that nationally, over 700 kids per year die by firearm suicide.
Um, just really tragic.
(13:26):
Of course. Um, again, it is preventable.
We know that 90% of suicide attempts using a gun end in death, whereas 70% ofpeople who survive a suicide attempt will never attempt suicide
again. And so, um, by having access to an unsecured gun, you are potentiallytaking away that second chance.
And, you know, we know kids are impulsive.
(13:47):
And so it's just being cognizant of that and and keeping all of that in mind.
That's a
SPEAKER4: powerful statistic. (13:52):
undefined
The two of those together.
SPEAKER1: Yeah, absolutely. (13:55):
undefined
It is. Um, and then the T in BeSMART is just tell everybody, you know to BeSmart.
So thank you for letting me come on and tell everybody I know to be smart.
But, um, you know, just really working to normalize the conversation so itdoesn't feel awkward.
Um, it really is an important piece, I think, to keep our kids and communityand teachers and staff and everybody safe.
(14:15):
Absolutely. And then finally, there's an upcoming class year leading through
SPEAKER4: our community education program. (14:18):
undefined
So can you talk with us about the logistics and what people can expect if theyattend?
SPEAKER1: Yeah. Um, so it's going to be Monday, March 18th from 6:30 to 7:30. (14:25):
undefined
It's in person at the Oregon High School.
And we'll just talk about BeSMART.
I have, um, kind of a community presentation that we'll go through that delvesa little more into all of this.
Um, and then, you know, I'm really hoping for some good discussion from folksto see, you know, what do they think about it?
Do they have thoughts on how maybe we could get the message out a little morebroadly, maybe talk about how do you make that ask exactly before you send your
(14:54):
kids over. So, um, you know, it's an hour.
I'm and like I said, I really hope for some good discussion and some good backand forth on how we can make the program.
SPEAKER4: Well, even if we just have a few families who then feel more comfortable asking the question, then that is worth an hour, isn't it? (15:03):
undefined
That's right. That's great.
SPEAKER1: And I have even found personally, if I have if my kids have friends coming over, I will offer up to their parents, you know, like, "okay, we're not a gun owner," (15:11):
undefined
so they can kind of have free reign of the house.
Um, and oftentimes then I will get the response from that other parent, "oh, wedon't have guns either, or we do, but they're locked up." So if you're not
comfortable asking, sometimes putting yourself out there first.
SPEAKER4: Good tip. (15:31):
undefined
SPEAKER1: Yeah, it can be helpful. (15:32):
undefined
Yeah.
SPEAKER4: Well, thank you so much to both of you for your service, your efforts and your passion for keeping kids safe. (15:35):
undefined
Remember that you can find links to all episodes of Inside the OSD and submittopic ideas on our website at Oregonsd.org/
podcast. You can find this podcast anywhere you can find podcasts.
(15:57):
Make sure to subscribe if you're listening on one of these apps to getnotifications on the most recent episodes.
We'll see you next time on Inside the OSD, where it's all about the kids.
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