HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — "We have a generation today that does not know a lot about guns. I think, you know, in past times it was just not talked about, just not discussed. As we can see today, there's a reason to discuss it, things can happen," said Owner of Hobbs Island Shooting Range, Don Eiermann.
When it comes to keeping guns out of the hands of younger children and adolescents in general, locking up firearms seems to be a surefire bet.
"There are several ways to do it. There are gun locks, there are trigger locks, and there are safes. But eventually, you know, you need to train the child that, guns are not a toy and they are not to be played with," said Eiermann.
But keeping children away from guns is only half the battle, parents need to instill a mindset of safety and respect in their children when it comes to handling any weapon.
"The parents have to be the ones who have the knowledge, you can't pass on something you don't have," said Eiermann.
Teaching their children, as Eiermann said earlier: GUNS ARE NOT TOYS.
They ARE weapons, that do have the power to take someone's life away, and they are not to be played with EVER!
"You can take all the steps you want, to secure things, and it may be secure in your home, but if they go somewhere else, you know... they've got access. If they know better than to touch, if they know that it's dangerous, they'll leave it alone," said Eiermann.