It's the leading cause of death among children.
Between 2019 to 2020, gun deaths jumped nearly 30 percent in those 1 to 19 years old, according to the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.
But experts say unintentional shootings can be prevented.
"We often times have families who really wish they'd had this simple conversation," said Dr. Kiesha Fraser Doh at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.
Dr. Doh says that's the focus of Ask Day, or Asking Saves Kids.
According to the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, eight children and teens are hurt or killed in unintentional shootings each day because guns were misused or weren't correctly stored and 46 percent of gun owners don't lock up their weapons.
"You should always have it locked up, unloaded and ammunition separate from the gun," Dr. Doh said.
Parents are urged to ask other parents whether there are any unsecured guns in a home before allowing their child to go on a playdate or babysit for a family.
But, it can be a tough conversation.
So how do you do that?
Doh says to use the statistics and share that the numbers have you concerned.
Explain that you have a curious or impulsive child so you just want to make sure all guns are secured.
And finally, Dr. Doh says, put it on your doctor.
"Say: you know my pediatrician says I should ask this question before my child comes over to play," she explained.
"The few moments of awkwardness versus a lifetime of grief. A lifetime of distress and pain is totally worth it."