LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — A concerned parent contacted LEX 18 this week about an ad that appeared on her son's social media feed. The ad displayed a realistic toy gun that was sold as a “fidget” device to support people with ADHD and anxiety.
The device also claims to be able to fire plastic pellets, which the seller describes as a “fun way to focus your mind.”
A quick search will reveal many similar devices for sale. Some are bright and colorful, while others can be visually distinguished from real guns only by their bright orange tips.
Facebook users report finding similar ads across the country.
“The fact that they are selling guns as a solution to ADHD and stress is absolutely deplorable!” one user wrote.
Lexington Police are advising parents to talk to their children about these fake guns as they can cause a potentially dangerous disruption.
“I think it's important to talk about the differences, especially if your child may have a gun. And if you have real guns at home, what's the difference between a real gun and this toy gun? Please explain,” said Sgt. Guy Miller.
Kathy Crowe of the Lexington chapter of Moms Demand Action also expressed concern about the dangers of such realistic “toys.”
“Can you imagine a kid taking this to school? And showing it to other kids? What would that cause?” Crowe said.
Firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens in Kentucky, with 93 firearm-related deaths in 2021, according to CDC data.
“Over and over again in Kentucky, we hear stories of children accessing unsafe weapons and shooting someone, shooting themselves, shooting their siblings. This only strengthens the situation,” Crowe said. said.
Safe Kids Worldwide, a child safety nonprofit, provides guidance to parents about gun safety.
Their advice includes keeping guns out of reach and sight of children, storing firearms safely, talking to children about the difference between real and fake firearms, and unnecessary This includes properly disposing of firearms.
