Kids Carrying Guns

Several years ago, I wrote urging gun owners to lock-up their guns to keep them out of the hands of kids and prevent accidents.  Several incidents have brought this topic back to mind lately and my opinion has not changed.

First, I saw the report that North Carolina had two cases of guns at school on the same day!  Two different kids at two different schools appear to have brought a gun to school to show their friends.  One was a middle school student and the other one was only 6 years old!

Then, I got the following letter from the High School Principal of Powhatan County Schools here in Virginia (I added bold):

Good Afternoon Indian Families!
In the last two days, we received reports and found three weapons in locked student vehicles at Powhatan High School. Even though no threat of harm was made in any of the incidents, the mere presence of a weapon at school is a violation of the Code of Virginia and poses a potential danger to our school community. For each incident, staff, in conjunction with the Powhatan Sheriff’s Office, conducted a threat assessment. In addition, each incident resulted in student discipline and law enforcement being notified.  
We understand that there are community members who own weapons for a variety of personal and recreational uses outside of school time. We urge you to continue to talk with your children about personal and community safety, as well as the criminal and disciplinary consequences of bringing weapons to school. <remainder of the letter removed>

Even though we live in a pretty rural area, I was shocked by this letter.  I'm guessing these were similar situations of kids bringing guns to school show their friends (which is how the administration was informed).  Some high school seniors are adults and can purchase a rifle or shotgun.  I also know that most teenagers are capable of learning to safely handle and shoot guns because I've taught many to do so myself.  However, I don't think either of these is a good enough reason to let a kid have unfettered access to a firearm.  The good news is that that none of these recent incidents resulted in anyone getting injured or killed.   Hopefully, the gun owners involved will ensure their guns are no longer accessible to kids.