‘Firearms’ is a term that includes handguns and rifles. In Canada, these products are regulated by the Firearms Act.

‘Nonpowder’ firearms are BB guns and air guns. Paintball guns shoot small balls containing paint and are used for the sport of paintball.

Although injuries from firearms are completely preventable, many Canadian youth are injured or killed by guns each year. Canada has one of the highest rates of youth death from guns in the developed world.

The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends that firearms be kept out of homes where children and teens live and play.

Did you know?

• More 15- to 19-year-old Canadian boys die from firearm injuries than from cancer. Among boys in this age range, firearm injuries cause more * Most gun deaths among teens are suicides. If a teenager is depressed, it is essential to remove all firearms from the home.
• Most gun deaths in Canada are caused by rifles, not handguns.

How can guns be kept safely in the home?

If a gun must be kept in the home, it should be stored according to the rules set out in the Canadian Firearms Act.

Nonpowder firearms and paintball guns

When a nonpowder firearm is fired, the pellets or BBs can break through the skin and cause serious damage inside the body. BB guns and air guns are the leading cause of loss of an eye due to an accident in Canada. They are dangerous weapons and should not be used as toys for children and teens.

Paintball guns fire a small ball with a hard, thin outer shell filled with paint that spatters on contact. Paintballs can cause serious eye injury and blindness. In well-run paintball arenas, users have to wear helmets and goggles, and the speed of the paintball is monitored. Most injuries happen when people are playing informally at home or outdoors.

• Youth should never use air guns or BB guns without close adult supervision.
• Youth who use paintball guns should always wear eye protection and a helmet, and should play only in reputable paintball arenas.

More information from the CPS:

• Youth and firearms in Canada, a statement of the Canadian Paediatric Society.

Reviewed by:
CPS Adolescent Health Committee

Last updated: March 2006