The thrill of “A Christmas Story” aside, there are serious things to consider if your child asks for a BB gun.
As many as 20,000 injuries a year result from them, with some requiring hospitalizations, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. That’s according to Guardians of Rescue, which helps animals in need, whose leaders have this advice for people considering letting a child having a BB gun:
Find out why they want one. If they don’t have a good answer, or the answer involves shooting people or animals, don’t get it.
It’s better to wait until your child is a teenagerto allow a BB gun.
Discuss the ethics of using animals as target practice; why you don’t do it.
Find a safety course they can take.
Set rules for use of the gun and hold them accountable.