EDITORIAL: The firearms danger

Today's lead story about a Rotorua teenager who shot another in the head with a BB gun is cause for concern - clearly this boy had no respect for such a weapon or any idea how to safely handle it.
The incident happened at Rotorua Lakes High School and the victim could have been seriously injured.
The school confirms what happened but has not revealed just how badly hurt the victim was or the ages of the boys involved. Police have not been brought in and the teen responsible, a Year 10 student, is suspended and will appear before the school's board.
Lakes High principal Bruce Walker wants better firearms education.
He says the students involved did not realise the gun could cause serious injuries.
"It is not just a school problem but a community problem. These weapons shouldn't be in the hands of teenagers," he told The Daily Post.
"Thank goodness the incident didn't end worse."
Dave Mingins of local gun store Serious Shooters told us BB guns cannot be sold to, or be in the possession of, anyone under 18 if they do not have a firearms licence.
A 16-year-old can have one if they do have a firearms licence.
BB guns are plastic guns which shoot "little round plastic balls". They can easily blind someone. They are usually used for target practice.
Police say people who illegally have these guns often don't realise they are breaking the law. They also want better education and treat these cases as if they are proper guns.
The school has handled this case properly. The student was rightfully suspended and should face the consequences in front of the school's board of trustees.
Parents of the victim decided not to involve police. Is that the right call? On one hand, the boy concerned has made a silly mistake and perhaps should not have to pay too dearly; on the other, police involvement might really give him the shock he needs to grow up.
Imagine if someone had lost an eye, or suffered a head injury. And, just where did this gun come from?
In any event, Mr Walker is right - this is a community problem. The dangers of these weapons needs to be driven home to students in all high schools.
These weapons certainly should not be in possession of anyone under the age of 18 and a firearms licence should be mandatory.