Gun Safety - Children

Children

The examples and perspective in this section deal primarily with the United States and do not represent a worldwide view of the subject. Please improve this article and discuss the issue on the talk page.

Children who are generally considered too young to be allowed to handle firearms at all can be taught a different set of rules:

  • Stop.
  • Don't touch.
  • Leave the area.
  • Tell an adult.

The purpose of these rules is to prevent children from inadvertently handling firearms. These rules are part of the Eddie Eagle program developed by the National Rifle Association for preschoolers through 6th graders.

Whether programs like Eddie Eagle are effective has not been conclusively determined. Some studies published in peer-reviewed journals have shown that it is very difficult for young children to control their curiosity even when they have been taught not to touch firearms. Gun access is also a major risk factor for youth suicide. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that keeping a gun in the home, especially a handgun increases the risk of injury and death for children and youth in the home. If families do keep a gun in the home, the AAP advises keeping it unloaded and locked up, with the ammunition locked in a separate location, and the keys to the locked boxes hidden.

Polling shows that over half of parents who do not own a gun have never talked with their children age 5-17 about gun safety. The ASK Campaign (Asking Saves Kids) is based on the fact that many families with children have a gun, and almost half these guns are left unlocked or loaded. The ASK Campaign urges parents to ask their friends, neighbors and family members if they have a gun in the home before sending their children over to play.

Older youth (age may vary per program) may take part in a program for safe rifle handling, such as the ones promoted by these organizations:

  • 4H Shooting Sports Programs
  • Boy Scouts of America
  • National Rifle Association
  • Civilian Marksmanship Program

Read more about this topic:  Gun Safety

Famous quotes containing the word children:

    “And when your children ask you, ‘What do you mean by this observance?’ you shall say, ‘It is the passover sacrifice to the LORD, for he passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt, when he struck down the Egyptians but spared our houses.’”
    —Bible: Hebrew, Exodus 12:26-27.

    “They [parents] can help the children work out schedules for homework, play, and television that minimize the conflicts involved in what to do first. They can offer moral support and encouragement to persist, to try again, to struggle for understanding and mastery. And they can share a child’s pleasure in mastery and accomplishment. But they must not do the job for the children.”
    —Dorothy H. Cohen (20th century)

    “Let children know you are human. It’s important for children to see that parents are human and make mistakes. When you’re sorry about something you’ve said or done, apologize! But don’t sound guilt ridden. It is best when parents apologize in a manner that is straightforward and sincere.”
    —Saf Lerman (20th century)