Nerf guns come with different types of ammo, each with varying quality and quantity. Although most of these ammunitions are foam darts with a foam covering, there is still a chance of injury. People of any age can get hurt while playing with Nerf blasters, especially when kids do not know how to aim and start shooting at each other.
This has become a major issue worldwide, raising questions about whether Nerf guns are safe for playing or not. However, Nerf is doing its best to make guns and blasters safe for everyone. It is not fair to blame Nerf guns alone for causing injury, as kids can hurt themselves while running or doing any physical activity.
The key factor here is to guide children and provide a safe environment for them to play and learn from these things. If we take some precautions to avoid these ambiguities, there is no danger associated with playing with Nerf guns.
Safety Regarding Using Nerf Guns
It is not proven that being hit by Nerf darts or toy missiles will result in death. However, to ensure safety and avoid minor injuries, follow these recommended tips.
Eye Protection
It is important to use protection when playing with Nerf blasters to avoid injuries. Almost every Nerf blaster comes with eyewear in its packaging to prevent eye injuries, as your eyes are the most sensitive part of your body and even a minor touch can cause serious effects, such as losing eyesight.
This is the major concern with Nerf blasters, as they can be harmful. There have been many cases of eye incidents from Nerf darts, so if you are playing with friends, make sure to tell them to wear eye protection to avoid any mishaps.
Aiming For Faces
Some blasters are not like Nerf guns that run on batteries. These blasters have a high shooting velocity and power. However, if you aim them towards someone’s face, there is an 80% chance of causing bruises or scratches. To avoid such situations, it is recommended to provide archery targets or other plastic targets so that people stop aiming at each other.
Under Parental Supervision
Children may start playing with Nerf guns and aim them at each other, which can make them feel like they are battling in a real war. However, parents should take the responsibility to prevent this kind of game from happening. Nerf guns are toys that should be played with under full supervision to ensure everyone’s safety.
Use Branded Darts Or Ammunition
It’s possible that you’ve come across many off-brand darts in the market. However, if you observe closely, you’ll notice that these darts are too hard and not of good quality. Using such darts can also result in health injuries.
There have been many cases where darts have proven to be dangerous. Therefore, it’s advisable to avoid using rubber bullets since they are thick and hard and can cause serious bruises when they hit faces. Always purchase genuine Nerf darts or use the ones that come inside the packaging because authentic Nerf foam darts are not hard and won’t cause any harm.
Choose Recommended Age Guns
It is recommended to choose age-appropriate guns for the safety of your child. It is important to always opt for guns that are lighter in weight and made for a specific age group, as these guns have undergone multiple safety tests before being released on the market.
It is advised to avoid giving blasters meant for older kids to younger children due to the risk of small parts in Nerf guns that can pose choking hazards.
Safety Trigger is On
Manufacturers of toy guns such as Nerf take measures to ensure that their products are safe for children. One way they do this is by including a safety button on the gun or blaster. This button is not just a gimmick but actually works as intended.
To ensure the safety of your child, it is important to activate the safety trigger of the blaster before handing it over to them. Failure to do so may result in accidental injury, as children may hit themselves or others unconsciously.
Play at a Safe Area
The best place for playing especially with guns is in the playgrounds. Parents must provide their children with a safe environment when playing with guns because congested places with people cause injuries to them so it is safe to play in the yards or playgrounds better than suffering later.
Avoid Aiming Animals
Similar to humans, animals also experience pain when they are injured. Unfortunately, many children do not hesitate to hurt animals for fun, which is a cruel and violent act. It is important for parents to provide proper guidance on how to treat animals with respect and ensure their safety.
Final words
In my opinion, it is not entirely accurate to say that Nerf guns are always harmful to others. While there have been cases where they have been dangerous to use, it is important to note that not all of the blame should be placed on the Nerf guns themselves. Any object can be potentially harmful if not used properly. Therefore, the key factor in ensuring safety is how the toy is used and for what purpose it is being used.
It is true that some people have claimed Nerf guns to be unsafe if the guidelines are not followed. However, these guidelines are listed on the packaging of the Nerf guns, including information on the recommended age for the blasters the materials used for the darts, and their performance. This makes it easy for buyers to make informed decisions and purchase the right product for their needs.
By discussing the major circumstances that could arise when using a Nerf gun, we hope to help you avoid any incidents and enjoy your time with others. We hope that this article has provided you with the answers you need to understand the potential risks and benefits of using a Nerf gun.
