Eddie Eagle Elementary Gun Safety Education Program -- Fairfax, VA

Program Type or Federal Program Source:
Program to educate children about gun safety.

Program Goal:
To prevent firearm accidents.

Specific Groups Targeted by the Strategy:
Children in kindergarten through grade 6.

Geographical Area Targeted by the Strategy:
United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.

Evaluated by:
Internal data collection.

Contact Information:
Kathleen Cassidy
National Rifle Association
11250 Waples Mill Road
Fairfax, VA 22030
Phones: 703­267­1574
800­231­0752

Years of Operation:
1988­present.

The Eddie Eagle Elementary Gun Safety Education Program was designed for use by schools, law enforcement agencies, and youth service organizations by Friends of the National Rifle Association. The program makes no value judgments about whether guns are good or bad, but teaches children that guns are not toys.

Children in preschool through grade 6 are taught to remember the mantra "Stop! Don't Touch. Leave the Area. Tell an Adult." whenever they see a gun. The program has been taught to more than 12 million children in 10,000 schools by more than 6,000 law enforcement agencies in every State, Canada, and Puerto Rico. It is recognized by the National Safety Council, Police Athletic League, American Legion, and National School Public Relations Association. Fourteen State legislatures have passed resolutions encouraging the program's use. Local law enforcement provides officers who speak in the schools. Coordination with the faith community and United Way organizations is encouraged.

An educational video and music component teaching the "Eddie Eagle Shuffle" targets children. An inservice video and instructor guides for grades K­1, 2­3, and 4­6 are supported by a parent's guide, comic books, coloring books, stickers, and posters. All printed materials are available in English and Spanish.

Promising Strategies to Reduce Gun Violence	OJJDP Report