It should be illegal for children to interact or be around a firearm if they are under the age of ten or do not have a permit if under the age of sixteen. If they are at least ten years old, they may handle a firearm but only with supervision from a guardian. If they are under the age of eighteen and at least sixteen years old, they should require guardian(s) consent, but not full supervision, when using a firearm on the guardian(s) property. They cannot, however, carry or use the firearm outside of the guardian(s) property or outside a shooting range until the age of eighteen.
Child self-defense
If a child is within the view of their legal guardians and those guardians consent to the child interacting with the firearm, including following the previously mentioned circumstances, then it may be legal.
If all following are true, then a child at any reasonable age, including under the age of ten, may use a firearm. If the child does not fulfill all these requirements, then their guardian(s) are liable:
- If the child is in reasonable fear of great bodily injury or their own life.
- There is no sound minded adult that may protect them.
- Does not cause any reasonable harm or assault to any other non-offending actors, e.g. neighbors.
Gun permit for children
If a child is at least thirteen years old and has the consent of their guardian(s), they may get a special permit to handle and use a firearm within the household without guardian supervision. This permit is unnecessary once the child turns sixteen years old.