If there’s a sure-fire combination for internet controversy, it’s posting an Instagram video of a child using a gun, but that’s exactly what Pink’s husband, Carey Hart has done.
The former professional freestyle motocross competitor shared a video of their seven-year-old daughter, Willow Sage Hart, shooting a .22 inch rifle
In the video, you can hear her ask, “is the safety on?” before firing the gun.
Knowing that his post would be… well… controversial, the 43-year-old braced himself for the “parent police,” but defended his actions as teaching his children how to use and respect guns.
“Haven’t poked the parent police bear in a few days. Willz and I shooting the .22 rifle. She is getting pretty good,” he wrote.
“Can hit a 12 inch pie plate from 30 yards. Started her shooting at three years old. For the record none of us hunt, just enjoy shooting for sport. I’m raising the kids with knowledge of fire arms, how to handle them, shoot them, store them, and avoid them in uneducated hands.”
While the majority of people approved of the video and argued Carey was teaching his daughter how to be responsible and respectful towards guns, others said there was absolutely no reason to teach a child how to shoot “for fun”.
“Awesome. I started hunting at 9 and competition trained with pistols. Teaching proper handling and overall knowledge is powerful,” wrote one user.
“I never totally respected guns until I was shown how to treat one and how to shoot one. Bravo, dad,” shared another.
“Teaching a child correct and safe firearm management is such a responsible thing to do! Great job,” wrote another.
Others disagreed with his approach.
“You may not be using guns for hunting and I respect that, but I see no reason to teach a child to shoot for ‘fun’. Especially with a rifle. You want fun, give her a water gun, not actual bullets,” read one comment.
“Firstly, I love you guys, hence why I follow you and Pink on Insta but I unfortunately have to say that I find this really sad. The need to teach your seven year old how to fire a gun and be safe around a gun is unbelievable. What has the world come to. I’m lucky enough to live in a country where my seven year old knows nothing about guns and doesn’t need to know about guns, he’s more interested in football!! Wake up America!!!!” wrote another.
Of course, gun law and firearm culture greatly differs in the US compared to Australia. The second amendment in the US constitution gives their citizens the rights to buy and carry guns, although state laws do vary in terms of ownership and specific rules. In comparison, while there isn’t a specific age where children can use a firearm in Australia, gun laws dictate owners must have a valid reason for owning a firearm, like farming or hunting.
Do you think Carey crossed the line in this parenting situation? Tell us in a comment below.
Top Comments
Actually, there is a legal age in Australia. In Australia, you can't fire a gun without a license, and you can't get a license until you are 12. In WA it's 18.
The lack of research in every single article on this website astounds me. I don't even know why I keep coming back.
"In Australia, you can't fire a gun without a license". I'm pretty sure that's incorrect. I've shot at a pistol range and I've never had a firearms licence.
You were at a range, under supervision by a licenced shooter no doubt, which is one of the exemptions. If you'd just been at a shop that sold guns and they were like "wanna fire off a few rounds?" you'd have a point.
Incorrect. You can fire a gun at a range with a licensed supervisor. My Dad has taken me many times. Your lack of research in every single comment astounds me, I don’t even know why you keep coming back.
Yeah, but the original comment was that you can't FIRE a gun without a licence, nothing about buying one.
Shooting is legal and a legitimate sport. It's an Olympic event.