Shooting better than virtual violence for children, says rural poll

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Shooting better than virtual violence for children, says rural poll Most adults believe children should be taught to shoot as a healthier pursuit than playing violent computer games or watching adult films.The findings come in a survey for the Countryside Alliance.It found that 77% think teaching youngsters how to handle guns in real life situations is preferable to virtual violence.The pro-foxhunting Alliance says there are many misconceptions surrounding firearms but children have for years been taught how to use them responsibly by rural families as well as organisations like the Army and sea cadets.They added that the survey of 500 adults from England and Wales found almost universal ignorance of the benefits shooting brought to the countryside.Just 5% were aware that guns came in handy on the farm and only 8% knew of shooting's popularity as a pastime among the disabled, among whom it was 25 times as practised as archery.The Countryside Alliance's Chris Jackson, said: "Responsible youth organisations, such as the Army cadets and sea cadets, as well as countless rural and farming families, have long known that learning how to use legal firearms early in their development and under proper supervision is beneficial for children."It demystifies any unhealthy glamour or allure of firearms and encourages a prudent attitude that stays with children throughout adult life."Learning about shooting encourages children to be safety conscious and to exhibit a mature, responsible attitude towards firearms - an especially needed counterbalance to the worrying trend among many young people, who have never been properly exposed to firearm use under supervision, towards viewing firearms as some kind of fashion accessory or symbol of power." http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_511554.html?menu=news.latestheadlines