starkicker3 asked this question on 3/6/2000:

How do parents play a role in gun control?

d_ottr gave this response on 3/11/2000:

Aprents play the ultimate role in gun safety. The primary role is to ensure that the household is safe with regards to guns. A home where guns are found haphazardly about is a disaster waiting to happen. Guns should first be unloaded with ammunition stored spearate;ly from the guns, and the guns themselves should be secured in a locked container (safe, cabinet, etc.) Guns hidden in drawers, under beds, and in nightstands are invitations to children to experiment. In addition, unsecure weapons could be stolen and used for equally illegitemate purposes. The second role parents play is in education, or in obtaining education. A parent should teach a child to respect firearms for their inherent danger and destructive capacities. Not until a child realizes that guns can kill should they be further exposed to the usage. When a child is taken to a safe place to use guns, the actual destructive capabilities of the gun should be demonstrated. HOPEFULLY the child will understand the utility as well as the danger associated with the firearm. If a parent is unable to adequately explain firearm safety, there are a number of places where assistance can be sought. The NRA has Eddie Eagle, a pretty good presentation on gun safety. There are 4H groups, and police departments with gun safety personnel who would be more than willing to educate, rather than investigate a tragedy later. Perhaps I have answered a question on Gun SAFETY rather than CONTROL, but I beleive that givent he availability of firearms in today's society, coupled with the inexorable Second Ammendment right of gun ownership, safety is more the issue than control