This paper aims to explain how small arms and light weapons (SALW) proliferation leads to extreme violence by children using guns against other children, a shocking indictment on the failure of governments to ensure strict control of such weapons. The paper will draw on examples from different countries where such incidents have occurred. It will focus on cases relating to school shootings, child soldiers, cartel violence and gangs. When analysing these cases, it is important to keep in mind the complex duality involving children being both, perpetrators and victims. Finally, this paper will make recommendations on possible measures to prevent and reduce such SALW violence by children.

This paper is a collaboration between IPIS and IANSA (International Action Network on Small Arms)

This publication has been produced with the financial assistance of the Belgian Directorate-General for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid (DGD). The contents of this document can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the Belgian Development Cooperation.