Eddie Eagle

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Eddie Eagle is a program initiated by the National Rifle Association (NRA) to promote the safety of firearms among children. The program uses the character, Eddie Eagle, an anthropomorphic bird, who teaches children about gun safety through various educational materials.

Overview[edit | edit source]

The Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program was developed by the NRA in 1988. The program is designed to teach children four important steps to take if they find a gun: Stop! Don't touch. Run away. Tell a grown-up. The program has no agenda other than accident prevention - ensuring that children stay safe if they encounter a gun. The program never mentions the NRA, nor does it encourage children to buy guns or to become NRA members. The Eddie Eagle Program has reached more than 28 million children - in all 50 states.

Program Details[edit | edit source]

The Eddie Eagle Program is taught in schools, at police stations, in hospitals, day-care centers and libraries. The program is suitable for children of pre-K through third grade. The program materials are also available in Spanish. The program includes a teacher guide, a DVD, student workbooks, and reward stickers. The program is free to schools, law enforcement agencies, hospitals, daycare centers and libraries.

Reception[edit | edit source]

The Eddie Eagle program has been endorsed by numerous organizations, including the U.S. Department of Justice, the National Sheriffs' Association, the National Association of School Resource Officers, and the National Safety Council. However, the program has also been criticized by some gun control advocates who argue that it does not go far enough in teaching children about the dangers of guns.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

Eddie Eagle Resources

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD