No one really understands the daring risk-it-all playground bravado that controls kids. But even when kids ignore their advice and discipline, parents don’t give up, simply because they love their children and there’s nothing they wouldn’t do to ensure their safety. But no matter how rambunctious or daring they are, there are certain things children should never be exposed to.
Every responsible parent sees to it that their children are safe. They use socket covers, corner cushions, and car seats. Parents everywhere take pride in the time and dedication they put into making certain their children are safe. But are they keeping them safe from another unnecessary danger?
Across the country there are news stories of children accidentally discharging firearms and harming themselves and others. A tragic event recently happened in my own region, where an innocent four-year-old found a firearm and shot his mother and himself. The little boy survived, but many are not so fortunate.
This should never happen. The firearm should have been properly stored and this child, like all children, should have been taught what to do should they ever come upon an improperly supervised firearm.
The anger we all feel is righteous. Why does a child, a picture of innocence, have to go through this? Because children are subject to their parent’s mistakes.
To help parents avoid situations where their children may come upon an unsupervised firearm, the NRA created a very effective program: The Eddie Eagle GunSafe program.
This isn’t a program designed to show children how to handle a firearm. Rather, it is designed to communicate that guns are tools for adults and adults only.
Eddie the Eagle is designed to reach children when they are most vulnerable, geared toward kids from kindergarten to fourth grade. It makes certain that children between these ages are well aware of the following directions if they ever see a gun: “Stop! Don’t Touch! Run Away! Tell a Grown Up!”
The NRA has been committed to promoting this program for several years with very positive results. Eddie the Eagle can be presented anywhere: schools, churches, after-school clubs, and any other venue specific to youth. They have taught more than 30 million children (from all 50 states).
With over 30 million kids reached, how many lives have been saved?
Parents, especially gun owners, must discuss how to remain safe around firearms with their children. Think about all the parents who have lost children who probably wish they’d taken just five minutes to discuss gun safety.
We need to reevaluate how parents might better communicate with their children about guns. It is not enough to say don’t touch guns, because kids don’t understand just how dangerous guns are. Children are instinctively curious, and one way or another they can put themselves in a dangerous situation. Parents need to send a clear message to their children that guns are tools for adults. Children must stay away from them, and never touch a gun under any circumstance.
Through Eddie the Eagle, accidents can be drastically reduced. The program does not glorify firearms nor condemn them. Its message is strictly one of safety echoed in its message: “Stop! Don’t Touch! Run Away! Tell a Grown Up!” Everyone can agree on those simple directions.
Thomas Wegmann is a high school student from Indiana.
