2006-12-12 11:20:45 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
I don't think so.
I did a research paper (when I was in college) about kids and guns.
In one study I used as a source, researchers put 3-to-9-year-old kids in a room with a hidden handgun. It was not loaded (obviously), but the trigger set off a beam of light that was visible to researchers through a two-way mirror.
All of them found it. All of them played with it. All of them pointed it at other people (they were in groups). A full fifty percent pulled the trigger hard enough to fire it.
One boy (whose parents DID NOT have guns) was able to disassemble and reassemble it within the 15 minutes they were left in the room.
Only two left the room to tell an adult about it.
After the 15 minutes had elapsed, the kids were surveyed. Half claimed they thought it was a toy. 25% were not sure. 25% knew it was real.
That's what's scary. Out of 200 kids, a full FIFTY knew the gun was real but PLAYED WITH IT, pointing it at OTHER CHILDREN. And of those fifty who knew it was real, 25 PULLED THE TRIGGER ANYWAY. Even out of those who thought it was fake, HALF pulled the trigger hard enough to fire it.
I will NEVER have a gun in my home.
2006-12-12 11:34:17 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
If you keep it locked in such a way that the child could not unlock it. Evenn if there is no ammunition around, the child may have a friend who could lay hands on some. Be very careful, children are curious. I have twin 6 year olds and I have seen how they work together to get at something that they know is off limits. I sold my gun when they were born. Once the trigger is pulled, there is no going back, and it could be fatal. You would be saying "If I only did the righ thing"
2006-12-12 13:39:05 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes.
A responsible gun owner who has children will show the child how it operates, which buttons/levers, etc. perform which functions, and will at some point teach the child how to shoot it, either at a range or a suitable rural location.
My Mother had a gun in the house when I was small, and I never hurt myself or anyone else with it, because she taught me how to operate it, she taught me safety rules and proper ettiquette when using/carrying one in your hands, and also because I knew she would whip my behind if I were caught fooling with it without supervision.
Remove the child's ignorance, and you have removed most of the danger. The rest can be eliminated with dicipline, a gun safe, and lots of prayer.
2006-12-12 11:33:20 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would say, probably not, but if there is an absolute need to (i.e. a parent is a police officer) make sure that the children know the safety of guns, like to never touch them, etc. and to keep them out of reach where a child can never reach it. I think it just hones (sp.?) up to good parenting =)
2006-12-12 11:28:49 · answer #4 · answered by toonlink 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There shouldnt be a problem with that as long as they are locked up in a very safe place. when i had a gun i had it locked in my closet and my bedroom door locked. It is wise to teach them not to touch it either teach them that guns can be very dangerous. My kids were taught that too.
2006-12-12 11:31:06 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
if you store the amo in a diffrent place and keep them completly locked in a safe, with a triger, bolt, and clip locks then yes. make sure the amo is also locked in a safe. and hide the safes very well, like in the attic maby... it sould be ok but never let the kids play any where neer the safes, it is posable that one could accedently get in (it has happend before) and if posable take the gun appart before locking it up. be safe not sory (no pun intended).
2006-12-12 14:49:38 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, I don't see a problem with it so long as the parents take the proper precautions (gun safes, etc.). A parents shouldn't have to stop doing something they enjoy...you just have to be more careful.
2006-12-12 11:31:57 · answer #7 · answered by tangyterp83 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as it is in a case locked and maybe even the case is a locked closet, with the keys where only the parents know.
2006-12-12 11:27:06 · answer #8 · answered by Katie Girl 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
a would say not because at any age of kids they are curious and would want 2 know why the adults are hiding something maybe in a closet or something and would want 2 use them because of there curiosity which would lead 2 some injury's and other problems
2006-12-12 11:42:02 · answer #9 · answered by mummy of 2gorgeous boys 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
if they keep them locked up and some where were the kids cant reach it. and if the gun is out then lock to bebroom or tell the kids to play some where else.
2006-12-12 15:11:23 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋