The United States has no minimum age requirement for airsoft players. Despite that, it is a kind of sport where injuries are common. So, as a parent, it is solely up to you when you will allow your child to play it. But, it is more ideal to approach the sport with more caution, especially if your child is still young.
How Old Do You Have To Be To Play Airsoft? Parent’s Guide
Airsoft is considered an extreme sport. This is due to the physical demands of the game itself and the common injuries that anyone could suffer from.
However, in the United States, the sport requires no age limit for its players. Therefore, you can play it even you’re as young as a pre-schooler – or even younger if they can!
But, if you’re a parent, bear in mind that it can be a dangerous sport for your child. Of course, no parent in the right mind wants their kids to get hurt, right?
So, the dilemma of many parents is how old does their child have to be to play airsoft? Let’s take a close look at the age range and why they should or shouldn’t be playing such a sport at a certain age.
Toddler (1 to 3 years)
At the age of one to three, children are already developing their social, emotional, and intellectual skills. At this age, kids are still trying to discover and explore many things around them. Hence, they need something that will help them develop these skills.
Despite airsoft in the United States having no age limits, it’s still not ideal for a parent to let their kids play airsoft at this point.
This is because toddlers are still curious about their surroundings. And they might try to put the pellets into their mouths, which could cause an incident that no parent would want.
Instead of airsoft guns, it would be more ideal if you let your toddler have board books or other pretending and building toys that will help them enhance their intellectual and motor skills.
Preschool (3 to 5 years)
Preschool is still a bit too young for airsoft. Besides, during this age, kids are still trying to explore the things around them. This is also when they start developing language, as well as reasoning skills.
To help them further those skills, airsoft might still not be a good idea as a toy. What they needs instead are simple, durable, yet open-ended materials as these will help in their language and reasoning skills’ development.
Toys such as constructive unit blocks, doll house, play food sets, bikes, and the likes would be better.
Grade Schooler (5 to 12 years)
Grade schoolers, aged five to 12 years old, are more confident in their ability to meet certain challenges in their lives. At this age, if your kid tries to ask you to buy them an airsoft gun, you must ensure to introduce them little by little to it.
If your child is five years old, for instance, you can’t just buy them an actual airsoft gun. At this age, it’s best to introduce them to a low FPS gun instead first – just like the ones that are usually available in Walmart.
Then, start to teach them the pros and cons of the sport, especially the damages that it can do to a person’s body. Make sure that they know and understand the consequences of shooting it against another person.
You may also start buying them safety equipment. Remember, even the low FPS airsoft guns can hurt and cause injuries. So, make sure to make them wear protective gear too. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
By the age of 12, they likely have a better understanding of the rules of the sport. This is why many arena in the United States allow 12 years olds in the playing field already.
Still, make sure to remind them about the advantages of knowing how to play the sport, as well as the consequences of it. And, of course, never let them play airsoft without adequate protection.
Teen (12 to 18 years)
At this stage, your child is likely ready for it. You can even buy them real airsoft guns that closely resemble the original firearm.
However, never forget to remind them about being more cautious in playing the game. Remember, airsoft can be dangerous. It could cause injuries, such as deep wounds or even eye injuries.
Apart from that, make sure that they’re wearing adequate protective gear. Although, most arena already provides protective gear to their clients.
But, if you want to ensure your child’s safety, it would be better to invest in high-quality equipment instead, especially if they have plans to take the sport seriously in the future.
Young Adult to Adult (18 and Above)
At this age, if you’re into airsoft, you likely don’t need your parents’ guidance anymore. You already have a better understanding of the sport – from its equipment to even its advantages and drawbacks.
In spite of that, the dangers of the sport are still there. They don’t go away with your age. In fact, the older you get, the more dangerous airsoft can be due to how hard others play it. Hence, always play the sport with caution and never forget your protective gear.
If you can, try and invest in high-quality protective equipment instead. Yes, they may cost a bit, but the protection they can give you is worth their price.
The United States is not actually very strict when it comes to the age limit of airsoft players. So, as a parent, it’s up to you how you can ensure your child’s safety as they enjoy the sport, especially while they’re still young.
