What should the punishment be for a 11yr old for shooting another with a bebe gun?

Question

not a violent kid. first time

Answer 1

No more BB gun! No other weopons either. Just tell him he's not responsible enough for one, and you can't risk him hurting someone. Don't just put it up, get rid of it.

Answer 2

I think this may be fairly serious since there is no indication it is an accident. He either does not know how to use a bebe gun or he is showing some early sociopathic tendancies.

First, I would paddle his behind but good.

Second, he does a meaningful apology to the victim

Third, the bebe gun is taken away for an indeterminate period of time.

If it is just an accident--then he can get the gun back when he is able to demonstrate to my satisfaction that he knows how to use one.

If it is a case of an intentional shooting--then he is going to get some counseling. I do not recommend counseling very often--but when a kid is intentionally doing something like this it is appropriate. I would ask the counselor for an evalution of the kid--if treatment and therapy is required then he is getting it. And the gun does not come back until the counselor says so.

Answer 3

Something serious enough for him never to forget. It should be a lifelong lesson about guns and weapons of any sort.

I'm not one to demand a parent never allow children to play childhood fantasy games of war, cowboys and gansters. But when it comes to ANY toys that actually discharge any kind of missle, children MUST be made to understand the risks, however small, that go with such a toy.

For starters, I agree that the BB gun should simply go away, never to return until he can, 1. pay for it himself, 2. demonstrate that he knows, in detail, the proper use and PLACE for its use, and 3. a solemn vow that he understands the consequences of even an accidental firing of a weapon.

The BB gun is not a toy. It is a real gun, with real ammunition. Just because it is not designed to be fatal does not mean it is not dangerous. Would you let an 11 yr old play with a flare gun? Not criticizing you, but you know what I mean.

If I assume that you already discussed the proper use of the BB gun with him BEFORE he was allowed to use it, then taking it away from him should come as no surprise to him.

By the way, any of the responses where it is suggested that "maybe the child will learn a lesson," is entirely unsatisfactory. There should be no "maybe." The boy MUST learn his lesson. That is why I suggest that the gun get taken away permanently. It will be a long time before he forgets the lesson.

Answer 4

The punishment should be severe. This is a very dangerous thing. The punishment should reflect the severity of the action. Obviously the gun should be taken away. I would suggest making that permanent. Give the gun away or sell it. Some ideas on corrective training: Community service, household chores, a written report on the results of accidental shootings, a formal appology to the other child in front of the other child's parents....

Answer 5

As a law student we deal with this issue during out first year and first semester of school. Its tough to say what is right for punishment. What would be good punishment for a first time offense? If found guilty by the court, I would give him probation for a year and community service. Kids at that age do not have the "mens rea" or whats known as the "criminal mind" yet to be held fully accountable for there actions and public policy about that reflects current laws. The child, although he committed a wrong, is just acting as children do. I am not saying he should not be punished for it, but he should not be held to adult standards. If he were to fire a gun with real bullets, and kills someone, he should be held to adult standards because he is acting in a situation where the actions of playing with that type of gun are forseeable.

Answer 6

Was the case referred to the police or probation department? If so, here in Indiana, he would be sent to an Intake Interview at the Probation Dept with a juvenile probation officer, who would then make a recommendation as to whether the case should go to court or be dealt with informally within probation. If there were no injuries, I'd recommend informal adjustment, with a term of 6-9 months, $15 month probation costs, attendance at gun safety classes, positive social group of 1 hour per week, 1 day juvenile boot camp, and 24 hours of community service work (possibly juvenile road crew), and a letter of apology. With injuries, he would go to court, pay court costs, additional probation fees, and pay for any medical care the victim needed.

If this wasn't sent to the police or probation, but the parents are just seeking ideas as to punishment: Take away the gun, attend gun safety classes, letter of apology, pay any medical costs, grounded for 1-2 months, and restrictions on video games and TV.

Answer 7

Was it intentional or an accident? Does the child understand the seriousness of the situation? Has he/she expressed regret? These are the important issues. As for punishment - I agree, the gun has to go until there is evidence of greater maturity. Admittedly, short of losing an eye, a BB gun injury is usually minor, but the underlying issues are very serious. Grounding from all non-school activities for two weeks might provide adequate time for inner reflection on the consequences of such behavior.

Answer 8

first of all the kid shouldnt have a bebe gun to begin with . then you can teach him a lesson by having a cop handcuff and drive him off to the station and put him in a cell just to show what happens to people that shoot other people with guns end up in. (of course you're there too) and dont give the gun back.

Answer 9

Why did the 11 year old shoot the other youngster with a bb gun anyway? They are dangerous too. Just scare the hell out of him and let him know that there could have been some serious damage to the other youngster. Maybe he will learn

Answer 10

Take away the bb gun permanently and ground him for a month. If the other child had to get medical treatment, make the shooter pay the medical bills from his allowance or savings.

It never had occurred to me, but I agree with the person who said enroll him in a hunter safety course too.

Answer 11

Take away the damned bebe gun, like for good.