Airsoft age limits for children – and some alternatives
The age rules for airsoft and airsoft guns may seem harsh if you would like to give your child what they wish for. But there is a reason for them. Airsoft may be categorised as a sport on a par with other sports, but there is still a difference. The replicas used in airsoft have a certain amount of power that is absolutely not for children. They hit hard, and the whole combat simulation is demanding and tough in itself if you do not have a certain maturity. That is why there are clear rules on age. The same goes for buying airsoft guns.
What is airsoft anyway?
As mentioned, the rules for airsoft are fairly strict. Below a certain age, children may not take part in airsoft or buy an airsoft gun, and in many countries teenagers below the age of majority need their parents' consent to buy a replica or take part in the sport. The exact ages vary from country to country, so check the rules where you live – this is the most important airsoft rule to know.
Airsoft is a simulated war with everything from rifles to hand grenades and mines. It takes a strong tactical overview, as there are many different game types to play. A classic is capture the flag, where two teams try to grab the flag in the opposing team's base. The flag then has to be brought back to your own base, and the game is won. It takes overview, strong communication skills and good fitness. On top of that it takes a cool head and at times a fairly high pain threshold.
There are rules on how fast and hard an airsoft gun may fire its BBs. But there is still a certain impact to consider. It is precisely because of the physical and mental pressure airsoft can put on players that you have to be a certain age to take part.
Weapons law and young people
In many countries, including Denmark, you need a special permit to carry weapons. Some places in the world work differently. But for you as a parent, that is actually a good thing: you can feel reassured that your shooting-keen child stays keen, not trigger-happy. In other words, there is no reason to be nervous. It is only a good thing that your child has an interest – even if it is shooting and/or airsoft and airsoft guns. The age rules are of course the one catch. So here are some suggestions for your shooting-keen children that can work as an alternative to airsoft.
Alternatives for the youngest
So-called Nerf guns have become extremely popular. These are pistols, crossbows and much more that fire small foam darts. It is a great experience for a child to see a shot fly off at the press of a trigger, and the noise is manageable too. The shots are not dangerous unless they hit an eye, so teach your child never to aim at others, no matter what. Once the child knows that routine, Nerf guns are a really good product for the smaller ones.
When your children are a little older, say around 7–10 years, they can also take part in laser games – or laser tag. The concept is in many ways similar to airsoft, but you cannot get physically hurt. The guns used fire laser light. If you hit an opponent, the special equipment the players wear registers that they have been hit. That way nobody is in doubt, and nobody gets hurt.
Alternatives for the older ones
When your kids become teenagers, there are still ways to satisfy the urge to shoot without airsoft. Depending on the rules in your country, teenagers may be able to take a hunting licence. Hunting is a wonderful experience that brings you really close to nature. If you enjoy hunting yourself, there is nothing better than bringing your daughter or son along. You get great experiences in nature together and a bond that can otherwise be rare to achieve.
Then there is of course the option of joining a shooting club. This is the easiest way for children to get to know a firearm under orderly and genuinely good conditions. Besides shooting, it also gives an insight into club life. Being part of a shooting club brings friendship, community and good shooting training. That way the young person can be extra ready for airsoft.
