What is a key concept taught regarding children's safety around firearms?

The concept that children should never handle firearms emphasizes the importance of preventing access to guns for minors due to their inherent dangers. This principle is designed to prioritize children’s safety, recognizing that they may not yet have the maturity or understanding to handle firearms responsibly. It advocates for a strict policy of keeping firearms stored securely and out of reach, which significantly reduces the risk of accidental discharges and enhances overall safety.

On the other hand, while some may believe that teaching children how to use firearms at a young age can instill responsible handling skills, it does not address the paramount concern of ensuring they never have access to a firearm without adult supervision. Similarly, educating children on firearm cleaning or teaching them to ignore firearms fails to equip them with the crucial understanding and respect for these tools. Ultimately, the safest approach is to prevent children from handling firearms entirely, as this aligns with best practices in firearm safety education.