There was an interesting article in the Times today. I have copied a section of it below. Here's the link for the whole article.
My memory of first learning to shoot is that it is calming. First there is the whole safety issues around handling a rifle or shotgun, then the need to maintain it in good condition through regular cleaning. On top of that, during the actual shooting you have maintain your breathing and, particularly with a rifle really focus. After all it is about a 95% mental sport anyway!
I would be perfectly happy for any child of mine to learn to shoot. In fact I think I would positively encourage it. Not as a wild, murderous hobby but as an exacting skill that hones sound mental discipline and focuses concentration.
From The Times
December 17, 2007
Guns are good for children
School teacher says that teaching pupils to shoot instils a sense of responsibility and concern for others
GIVING restless pupils guns to calm them down might seem a little extreme. But children as young as nine should be taught to shoot, MPs have been told, the Times Educational Supplement (Dec 14) reports.
Target shooting with guns helps to induce a calm atmosphere, particularly among pupils who are “restless under normal school discipline”, says Mary Everleigh, head of shooting at a private school in Cheshire. It also teaches responsibility, concern for others and appeals to pupils who do not enjoy team sport, she says.
The school nurse and former police officer made a presentation to a House of Commons all-party group, stating that while shooting was not an obvious choice for schools, it was a valuable discipline for pupils.
“A common concern among parents who do not know the sport is that familiarity with firearms may lead to a militaristic or aggressive attitude,” she says. “In our experience the reverse is true.”
