By B. Maurice Ward, Judge Charles V. Johnson Youth and Law Forum Organizing Committee
Editor’s note: This commentary is part of The Seattle Medium’s special content produced in partnership with the Judge Charles V. Johnson Youth and Law Forum. The views expressed are those of the author.
In my work across King County, I’ve seen a pattern that should concern us all: Many young people do not fully understand the risks and potential consequences that come with possessing a firearm.
Not firing it.
Not threatening anyone.
Just possessing it.
For a young person who is scared, pressured or trying to feel safe, carrying a gun may seem like protection.
But that gun can bring consequences the young person never anticipated.
A young person may get a gun without knowing where it came from or what happened before it reached them.
That gun may have changed hands several times. It may have been lost, hidden, sold or stolen. It may have been involved in something the young person knows nothing about.
But the gun keeps moving.
And every time it changes hands, another young person can become connected to a weapon whose history they do not know.
Young people also need to understand that there can be serious legal consequences for possessing a firearm.
Washington law generally prohibits firearm possession by people younger than 18, although the law provides specific exceptions under certain circumstances, including firearm safety courses, target shooting and lawful hunting.
The exact circumstances matter.
But the larger lesson for our youth is simple:
Gun possession is not a small decision.
It can be a life-altering risk.
We also cannot have an honest conversation about youth and guns without talking about fear.
Some young people carry weapons because they are afraid.
Some feel pressured.
Some believe a gun is the only way to protect themselves.
That means adults cannot simply tell young people, “Don’t carry a gun,” and consider the problem solved.
We must create spaces where young people can talk about fear, pressure and safety without judgment.
We must teach them the legal realities the streets may never explain.
We must build trust so they come to us before they turn to a weapon.
And we must work to make sure young people have safe alternatives when they believe they are in danger.
The Judge Charles V. Johnson Youth and Law Forum is about altering trajectories — giving young people the knowledge, tools and relationships they need to make informed decisions.
This year, we must speak plainly:
A gun is not something to pick up casually.
You cannot know everywhere that gun has been.
You cannot know everything it may have been used for.
And you should not assume that carrying one will make you safer.
Our young people need to understand the consequences before they face the decision.
Parents, mentors and community leaders have a role.
We must create spaces where young people can talk about fear, pressure and safety without judgment.
We must listen.
We must help them understand the risks.
And we must build enough trust that they come to us before they come to a weapon.
To our young people:
You deserve to grow old.
You deserve to feel safe.
You deserve a future that isn’t defined by a moment of fear or a bad decision.
Your life matters.
Your choices matter.
And we are here to help you choose a different path.
