Are toy guns good?

On One Hand: The Benefits

Toy guns have symbolic impacts that may influence a child's character later in life. No wonder continuous debates have always ensued in a bid to establish whether toy guns are good.

According to Beverly Hughes, former British minister of state for children, young people and families, toy gun games promote child development. A child will assume the role of a superhero or even create his own heroic character through his imagination. This is not only fun, but it also helps in his personal and social development.

On the Other: Possible Dangers

In a "Today" show report from Australia, Dr.Catherine Neilsen-Hewett, an early childhood development expert, explains that uncontrolled use of toy guns may increase aggression and violent behavior in children. This is especially manifested when children play with toy guns in a violent context as opposed to a constructive and imaginative context.

Bottom Line

Early childhood development experts discourage parents from prohibiting toy gun games. Rather, parents should inculcate responsibility in their child. Dissuade him from harming people in real life and instill in him respect for others.

Source:

BBC: Toy weapons 'help boys to learn'

Minti: Toy guns -- good or bad?

Today: The dangers of toy guns