Teaching Gun Safety Early: A Parent's Perspective

When it comes to teaching children about gun safety, age should never be the sole determining factor. It's crucial to gauge your child's maturity level and readiness to handle such a serious topic. Whether you keep a firearm for protection or hunting, the timing of when to start teaching your child is key. The focus should be on when they are capable, both physically and mentally, of understanding the important concepts.

Start Early, Teach Thoroughly

In my experience, I began teaching my son about gun safety when he was just 7 years old. Although I was authorized to carry a firearm, I was very careful to keep it securely unloaded and locked up when at home. However, what concerned me most was the possibility of encountering a loaded firearm at other homes. There are individuals who leave a firearm where a child could easily access it. I ensured that my son understood gun safety measures and what to do in such situations.

Although my son was taught from infancy, by the age of 5, he was introduced to his first .22 caliber firearm. By age 6, he had obtained an apprentice hunting license. This year, he is eager to learn to shoot my 9mm, and when we construct a gun range on our new property, he will have the opportunity to do so. He can watch movies or see videos and point out incorrect actions, and he enjoys laughing at anti-gun activists who lack basic knowledge of firearm safety.

Learning from the Source

I grew up with firearms in virtually every household I visited. Whether firearms were leaning in a corner, displayed in an unlocked case, or kept in a closet, every person I knew understood the importance of gun safety from a young age. None of them have ever acted out with a gun, and this is due to the early education they received on the subject.

I firmly believe that the sooner children learn about gun safety, the better. Many children learn their first lessons through television and movies, often glorifying violence and guns as a status symbol. Shows like B"path where characters continue their actions after being shot, or Demolition Man where characters recover quickly after being shot, only perpetuate a false sense of invincibility. The culture perpetuated by Hollywood and the "Hollywood liberal elite" greatly contributes to the proliferation of gun violence.

Conclusion

Teaching gun safety is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly. By starting early and thoroughly, we can ensure that children are well-informed and prepared to handle firearms safely and responsibly. It is time for the cultural shift to begin, and parents and guardians must play a pivotal role in this process. Let us stand against the glorification of violence and take proactive steps to educate our children about the real risks and responsibilities associated with firearms.