How To Teach Your Kids Gun Safety

Recently, I`ve stumbled upon an interesting poll on the Washington Post website. The question was: Should parents teach their children to use guns?
Of the 2378 voters, an overwhelming majority of 93% answered with Yes.

Honestly, I was a bit surprised. When it comes to kids, the gun issue is quite delicate, even among gun advocates. Plenty of accidents have happened involving curious kids and their parents` guns, so I thought there`d be more people opposing.

 Well, I couldn`t be happier that this wasn`t the case. However, there are still some unanswered questions that are worth debating:

●    How do you teach your kids about gun safety?

●    What should they know before they first hold a gun in their hands?

●    What mistakes should you avoid?

●    Where do you keep your guns to keep them safely away from your kids?

●    What words do you choose when you tell them about the dangers of using a gun irresponsibly?

These are all very important issues, as they determine your kids` future approach on gun safety and usage. So here`s some practical information that might help you if you decide to have “the talk” with your children:

Rule #1: Kill the dangerous kind of curiosity

Kids are curious. It`s in their nature. Especially when it comes to “forbidden” things. And what could be more tempting then to try out daddy`s gun, that mystical object that turns you into a sort of superhero, just like in the movies?

That`s the #1 cause for all accidents. Dangerous curiosity. But you can demystify guns by showing your kids exactly how a gun works (with all the technical details included, of course), by allowing the to handle a gun under your supervision and even by taking them to a gun club. This way, they`ll see the effects a gun has on a target, so they understand shooting a gun is not something to take lightly. Which takes me to the next rule…

Rule #2: Teach them about taking responsibility

The first thing they need to understand is that playing with toy guns is not the same thing with handling a real one. As I said before, showing your kids the effects real guns have on targets is a good way to help them understand this difference.

Secondly, they should understand why you own guns, in the first place. American movies picture weapons the same way advertising pictures cars: they make you more powerful, more attractive, more athletic and all the other cliches you`re probably tired of.

Well, you`ll need to change that picture. You`ll need to explain your kids that guns are for protection, so they can only be used for this purpose. Tell them what happens when someone uses a gun wrongfully, but don`t exaggerate. That will only turn on his “forbidden” detector and you might lose him to the dangerous kind of curiosity again.

When you teach him about being responsible, you can also tell him a few specific things about using guns. America Now has a few common-sense rules on their website that everyone should know. For example:

●     Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.

Whether you are shooting or simply handling a gun, never point it at yourself or others. Common sense will tell you which direction is the safest. Outdoors, it is generally safe to point the gun toward the ground, or, if you are at a shooting range, toward the target. Indoors, be mindful of the fact that a bullet can penetrate ceilings, floors, walls, windows, and doors.

●     Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.

When holding a gun, rest your trigger finger outside the trigger guard alongside the gun. Until you are actually ready to fire, do not touch the trigger.

●     Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.

If you do not know how to check to see if a gun is unloaded, leave it alone. Carefully secure it, being certain to point it safely and to keep your finger off the trigger, and seek competent assistance.The following actions are crucial to lessen the dangers: Store all firearms unloaded and uncocked in a securely locked container. Only the parents should know where the container is located. Store the guns and ammunition in separate locked locations. For a revolver, place a padlock around the top strap of the weapon to prevent the cylinder from closing, or use a trigger lock; for a pistol, use a trigger lock. When handling or cleaning a gun, never leave it unattended, even for a moment; it should be in your view at all times.

Rule #3: Do NOT hide guns from your kids

That doesn`t mean you should keep them on your nightstand. But hiding them will only increase children`s curiosity.

The best way to keep them away from doing something irresponsible would be to show them the gun(s), show them how they work, let them take a look themselves, then let the kids put the guns in the safe place, lock it up and then handle the keys to you. This way, they learn guns are not toys, that they are dangerous and need to be kept in a safe place, but they also learn to respect your authority and understand that you`re the only one who can have the keys.

In the end, the most important thing you need to remember is that an open, honest discussion is always better than hiding guns from your kids, hoping they`ll never find them. Encourage them to ask questions, explain everything thoroughly, observe their reactions and try to anticipate their curiosities. They`ll thank you later in life, you`ll see.

By Alec Deacon