I watched an episode of NBC’s Dateline on Sunday night, which was about kids (and teens) and guns. Amazingly, it was not a shill for gun control, but took a fair look at how to “gun proof” your children and teens.
The take away is that the Eddie Eagle style mantra of “Stop, Don’t Touch, Leave the Area, Tell an Adult,” while containing the correct instructions, is not very effective at actually getting kids to actually do what they’ve been told. A better way, according to the featured behaviorist, adds role-playing simulations and testing so that the kids actually act out the steps. Well that certainly can’t hurt.
The steps are:
- Start with the Basics
- Role Play
- Simulate Peer Pressure
- Test and Retest
- Ask About Unsecured Guns
The episode is here. If you have minor children or relatives, watch it.