In this important episode of The Neil Haley Show, Neil Haley welcomes David Hayes Cox, author of This Is A Gun: A Safety Guide for Families with Children. The conversation focuses on one of the most important and often avoided topics in America today: firearm safety education for children. David brings a unique perspective as a certified firearms instructor, firearm home safety instructor, and range safety officer whose mission is not to advocate for gun ownership, but to advocate for gun safety and responsible education. David explains that there are an estimated 400 to 500 million firearms in civilian hands across the United States. Regardless of personal political beliefs about firearms, he argues that the sheer number of guns in America makes firearm safety education essential for every family. His concern is simple: children are naturally curious, and curiosity without education can lead to tragedy.Throughout the discussion, David emphasizes that avoiding conversations about guns does not make children safer. In fact, it can make them more vulnerable. Children who only encounter firearms through television, movies, video games, Nerf guns, and toy weapons often develop unrealistic perceptions about what real firearms look like and how dangerous they can be. Without proper education, a child may mistake a real firearm for a toy.One of the key messages of David’s book is teaching children three simple but potentially life-saving steps if they ever encounter a firearm:
- Do not touch it.
- Run away.
- Find an adult.
These principles are repeated throughout the book in age-appropriate scenarios designed specifically for elementary-aged children. David believes children need practical language and confidence to remove themselves from dangerous situations, especially when peer pressure is involved.A unique feature of This Is A Gun is its use of life-size firearm illustrations. David explains that many children have distorted ideas about the size and appearance of real firearms because of media portrayals. By providing accurate visual references, the book helps children recognize what real guns actually look like so they can respond appropriately if they ever encounter one.Neil and David also discuss the broader cultural conversation surrounding firearms. David carefully explains that his work is intentionally bipartisan. His goal is not to debate gun rights or gun control but to create a common-sense safety resource that parents, educators, and communities can use regardless of political beliefs.The conversation highlights how society routinely teaches children about other dangers such as electrical outlets, poison, fire safety, swimming pools, and traffic safety. David argues that firearm safety should be treated similarly. Education, not avoidance, is what keeps children safe.The discussion also explores the responsibilities of firearm-owning parents. David stresses that parents who own firearms should not only secure them properly but should also prepare to educate their children about firearms when they are age-appropriate. Keeping guns mysterious or forbidden can increase curiosity and potentially create dangerous situations later.As the interview concludes, David shares his vision for expanding firearm safety education through schools, community programs, and future books that address how parents can responsibly transition older children from basic gun avoidance to safe firearm education and handling.This Is A Gun: A Safety Guide for Families with Children serves as a practical resource for parents, educators, and caregivers who want to provide children with knowledge that could save lives. The book’s message is straightforward: regardless of where someone stands on the firearm debate, every child deserves the education necessary to stay safe.For more information, visit ThisIsAGun.org.#DavidHayesCox #ThisIsAGun #NeilHaleyShow #GunSafety #FirearmEducation #ChildSafety #Parenting #FamilySafety
