Is it true that a Toy gun that looks like real guns are problematic? This conversation is now becoming very common among the parents of toddlers or small kids especially up to the age of 12 yrs. Many are confused that whether they should allow their kids to play with Toy guns or not! At the same time, they also get worried by thinking about the imaginary consequences of giving a nerf gun to a kid may encourage him to be violent. But playing with Toy guns is actually quite common and almost inevitable these days, kids love to play with a gun while shooting at each other.  

 Jones writes, “Anyone who has been a child understands that forbidding something can make a child’s interest in it multiply.”

A very basic thing we need to understand - Is taking away the toy guns from children's life the right way to protect it from violence? I don’t think all kids who play with guns are going to neither kill their parents or neighbors nor take a real gun to a public place shoot everybody.  Aggressive Toy gun play tends to be more common in boys, but it is not a predictor of future violence. I think this all depends on the children's environment, education and home environment.  My personal suggestion is this regard that we must teach children to understand the difference between reality and play and also how to incorporate and curb their aggression into play.

Many researchers suggest that generally, children’s playing with toy guns is fine as long as children are doing so in creative ways.  Like other forms of sports, gunplay is best, if structured correctly.  Research also suggests that it can even help kids self-regulate better in real life. I am discussing here some important points for parents of young children who play gun activity.

Kids Should Not Hurt Each Other: Parents should give special attention to kids while playing with Toy Guns. All Toy guns are not equal – many have the potential to injury as well. According to Nationwide Children Hospital in Ohio, around 22000 injuries registered each year mostly eye injuries.

Kids Should Not Point to Someone Face: It is very important to give more attention to children’s playing with Heavy Toy Guns like Toy Gel Blasters. They must not point out someone’s face while playing with Toy Guns.

Avoid Buying Toys That Look Like Real Guns: To avoid the fear of Toy guns, let your kids play will toys that do not look like a real gun. Let them create their own toys which also increase their creativity like building blocks, toilet paper rolls, etc.

Set Boundaries: If kids are going to play aggressive games, let them know when they cross the line and need to stop. Provide guidance on the scenarios where gunplay is appropriate and where it’s not.

Red Flags for Watch: As shown in the survey - a small percentage of boy kids with aggressive behavior have issues in controlling their impulses. If your child hurts other kids when he plays, that might be a sign of an impulse-control problem. Also, check whether a child uses his imagination. If he simply takes one toy and uses it to bash another toy for five minutes straight, then that could be a cause for concern, too. This is a Red Flag situation and needs to seek help from the therapist.

Conclusion