Like swimming pools, electrical outlets, matchbooks and household poisons, they're treated simply as a fact of everyday life. With firearms found in about half of all American households, it's a stance that makes sense. Just as Smokey Bear teaches children not to play with matches, Eddie Eagle teaches them that firearms are not toys, and should not be touched without adult supervision. The program was developed in 1988 with the guidance of educators, school administrators, curriculum specialists, urban housing safety officials, clinical psychologists, law enforcement officials and National Rifle Association firearm safety experts. Since then, it has reached more than 12 million children in all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico.
Statistics suggest the program is effective.