A gun in the home can be a danger to children. Parents should seriously weight the risks of keeping a gun in the home. Gun owners should always store firearms unloaded and locked up, out of the reach of children.
Ammunition should be locked in a separate location, also out of the reach of children. Whether you own a gun or not, parents should teach their children these basic firearms safety rules:
* A firearm is not a toy. Do not treat it like one. Children should never touch or play with a gun.
* Always assume that a gun is loaded, even after you have personally unloaded it.
* Never point a firearm at another person. Never point a firearm in the direction of anything except a proper target at a range or while hunting.
* Never handle a firearm unnecessarily.
* Never accept a firearm from another person unless they have shown it to be unloaded in front of you. Never assume.
* Always verify the unloaded condition of a firearm.
* Never throw, drop, or otherwise mishandle a firearm.
* When encountering a strange gun (say laying on the street), do not pick it up. Contact an adult (preferably a law enforcement officer) as soon as possible. When possible, keep other children away from the gun. Do not make any assumptions about a “found” weapon.”
* When firing at a range, always keep the gun pointed down range, towards the targets.
* Do not show off firearms to friends and schoolmates. And, do not tell friends and schoolmates that there are firearms in the house. Do not take a firearm from its place without a parent present.
* Always use proper ear and eye protection when at the range.
* A firearm is not a status symbol, or indicator of strength. Do not use it as one.
* Whenever you are in doubt about a firearm, do not touch it. Get an adult to check it for you.
* Remember, it is our right to keep and bear arms, but it also our responsibility to do so safely. It only takes one little mistake to cause a big accident.
* Let them know that firearms are capable of bodily injury, destruction and possibly death if misused. Do not “soft-soap” the truth. Apply the same principles as Driver’s Education courses do in the schools.
At a young age, I often handled rifles and ammunition with my dad’s supervision. I was always scared of guns. I saw what they could do to animals and I knew that they should be respected and not played with.
As an adult, I have not purchased any guns. I don’t feel like it’s necessary for me in my life right now. Maybe if the world keeps getting crazier, then I will change my mind. Sure glad we live in a country where this is an option! I am glad that I had some exposure to guns while growing up. I learned a lot from watching my dad. I think if kids are not taught – then they may have more of a curiosity towards them. My policy is to be straight forward with kids. Don’t make things taboo. If you do – then they just might experiment at a friends house when you are not around to teach or supervise.
Everyone has a different opinion on guns. Whatever your opinion may be, just be sure that you are safe and that you teach your children the proper respect for firearms, as well.
-Jenny