There are controversies and numerous studies about letting little boys play with toy guns. Some parents feel that if little boys play with guns they will have violent tendencies. Other parents feel that imaginative and creative play with toy guns is not harmful. Numerous studies have been done on the subject. More people tend to think that playing with toy guns is ok as long as children are educated about the difference between real and toy guns. Many people believe that TV, the media andviolent video games give a mixed message about guns. Others say the danger is misinformation or no information at all about the danger of real guns. Some parents report that they banished toy guns in their homes only to have their children play with them at a friend's house. It seems that boys will use their imaginations to make a gun out of a stick or anything they can pick up. Kids usually play good guys against the bad guys with the good guys winning. Many homes have guns in them because their parents are collectors or hunters. These parents teach their kids that guns are never to be pointed at people and are used to shoot animals for food. They teach their children to respect guns and to handle them properly. Some parents have guns for protection. It seems to be the opinion of most people including law enforcement that guns and ammunition must be kept locked up separately. Almost as many people believe that there should be no guns in houses. One sees such sad stories about children shooting each other accidently with real guns. Teach SAFETY! Parents have choices. They can let their boys have toy guns and talk to them about what real guns can do. While parents cannot protect their children from all the violence that they see on TV with cartoon characters or live characters getting shot only to miraculously appear in the next show, supervison and discussions can give the children a realistic view of guns. It is here that parents need to teach the difference between real and pretend. Real guns kill. Children hear about shootings or live in neighborhoods where they hear gun shots. What are the biggest sellers in video games? Shoot 'em up and kill as many people as you can. Most kids grow in and out of phases. When all is said and done, the decision to give toys guns to little boys belongs to the parents and it is up to them what they teach their boys about guns. |
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