Study protocol: developing and evaluating an interactive web platform to teach children hunting, shooting and...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Public Health
• Injury Prevention
• Educational Technology

Background:

• Firearms injuries are a significant pediatric public health issue in the U.S.
• Existing safety education methods for children may be insufficient.
• A novel, engaging approach is needed to impart firearms safety knowledge and skills.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate ShootSafe, an interactive educational website for children's firearms safety.
• To assess the website's impact on firearms safety knowledge, cognitive skills, and risk perceptions.
• To determine the feasibility of translating this program into practice.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial will evaluate ShootSafe with 162 children aged 10-12.
• Participants will be assigned to either the ShootSafe website or an active control.
• Outcomes include firearms safety knowledge, cognitive skills (impulse control, hypothetical thinking), risk perceptions, and simulated behaviors, assessed at baseline, post-training, and 4-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• The study protocol is registered and awaiting trial execution.
• Hypothesized results indicate potential for significant improvements in children's firearms safety.
• Data collection and analysis will provide empirical evidence on the program's efficacy.

Conclusions:

• ShootSafe has the potential to be an effective, theory-based program for teaching children firearms safety.
• The program's interactive and engaging format may enhance learning and retention.
• Successful implementation could offer a scalable solution to reduce pediatric firearms injuries.