Help them recognize the unrealistic use of guns on TV, in videos and video games. Toy guns can be dangerous for a variety of reason. First, toy guns should not look like real guns. People have used toy guns for criminal activity and have sometimes been shot by police who believed the gun was real. Children who are familiar with real-looking toy guns may play with real guns thinking they are toys.
Some toy guns are dangerous, especially if fired at close range or pointed at another child's face.
Like other toys you buy your child, toy guns should be designed for the age of the child and should not contain sharp, jagged or loose parts. Keep in mind these guns are not toys. BB guns and air rifles are popular with preteen and teenage boys. Parents should be aware these guns have become a lot more powerful in recent years. Some of these guns are so powerful they are now in the lethal firearm range.