Glock / Legos experiment

[Ben]

I was really surprised that a local television station in Atlanta (WGCL (local CBS)) did something that was NOT anti-gun.

At first, the anchors mentioned to the viewers that tragedy's involving firearms & kids were rare, but that 40% of the gun-owners in America had kids. From there, they proceded to do a little test. An Ackworth police officer stuck an unloaded Glock in a Lego box and hid with the parents behind a 2-way (?) mirror. The kids were released into the play room, and promptly went to the lego box.

Sitting on top of the legos was a Glock. They all dove for it.

Initially, the parents were all extrememly confident that their kid would do "the right thing" and report it; but during the actual test, the kids all mentioned that they SHOULD report it, but I think only one of them did. Two or three of the others played intently with it for three whole minutes. Bear in mind, this is still only the media's account of the experiment. Two of the kids cried after they were corrected by the Ackworth officer, and I figured they learned a lesson the hard way that they will NEVER forget.

Besides the obvious flaws, what do you guys think about with trying a similar experiment with YOUR kids at YOUR home? I'll bet it left a lasting impression on these kids.

just wondering,
Ben

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[gfrey]

Umm,

I think you mis-spoke when you called that piece "not anti-gun".

But, letting that pass...

No, I will not leave a weapon in a toybox to "test" a child.

First, that implies that a firearm is a toy for children.

Second, I believe that test was flawed, The obvious mistake is that the children were left unsupervised. (Some will say the gun was unsupervised. I say leave the gun in the room alone for a week and see how many accidents there are.)

Third, what were the results really. The way I remember this type of test, children who had been thru the Eddy Eagle program (or similar)were most likely to say they needed to tell an adult. Children who had no education were most likely to "PLAY" with the gun, due to the mystery of the object.
All the children eventually played with the gun, whether they had been thru a safety program or not.

The incorrect conclusion the program tried to bring out was children (even the ones who have been thru a safety class) WILL play with your guns. The implied correct conclusion is all parent should NOT have guns.


The conclusion(s) that SHOULD be made from such an event: (IMHO)


1) unsupervised children WILL get into trouble. (is the answer getting rid of guns? no, unless you are also going to get rid of electricity, bathtubs, 5 gallon buckets, pools etc...)

2) there is no more screaming testimonial to the fact that EDUCATION is the best answer to this scenario. (no, I do not think that ALL 4 year olds should be shooting. But education like the Eddy Eagle doesn't put guns in the hands of every child, but info in their heads.)

YMMV, but I doubt it. My 13 month old will explore everything within her reach, and since she started walking at 9 1/2 months her reach has been farther than one thinks. Do I get rid of my guns? NO.
Do secure my guns out of her reach? As far as you know, YES.
Will she get an education in firearms? yes, as soon as indicated by my child.


IMHO, sorry for the rant, but it's before my first cup of tea.

Gfrey

 

[Mal H]

Even though a handgun was used in the "experiment", this is a General Discussion topic. Please look for it there...