Airsoft is among the most popular recreational shooting sports worldwide, but it’s not a sport for young children. Kids need to be old enough to safely play with grown adults on an airsoft field. That raises the question — how old is “old enough”?
Let us answer that question and steer you in the right direction if you’re on the fence about getting your child involved in the world of airsoft.
Recommended Age to Start Playing Airsoft
Depending on where you live, airsoft has no official age limit, but the general consensus is that kids can start playing at about 12 years old or older. The idea is that if they’re old enough to participate in football, mixed martial arts and other contact sports, they’re old enough to start airsoft. However, as a precaution, they should still play under adult supervision until they’re at least 16.
🎓 Around 12 years old. If the kid is grown enough for contact sports, he/she can handle airsoft. Careful gun manipulation is a must!
Most 12-year-olds can also play airsoft because they know how to follow basic gun safety. Most airsoft guns are exact replicas of real firearms that just have non-lethal types of ammunition. However, the pellets and BBs can still cause painful bruising and penetrate the skin. The average 12-year-old should be mature enough to handle these replicas carefully and respectfully.
You might encounter unique age restrictions at different airsoft fields. Some fields allow 12-year-olds to play with a guardian present, while others only allow kids 16 and up to play. It’s also worth noting that in most places in Europe and the United States, only people 18 and older can legally buy airsoft guns. Kids can shoot them, but only adults can buy and own them.
🎓 Legally, kids cannot buy and own airsoft guns. Under supervision, they can use them, though.
Benefits of Kids Playing Airsoft
Getting your kids involved in sports always carries a small risk of injury, and airsoft is no different. However, the benefits far outweigh these risks. Here are some of the biggest reasons to get your kids involved in airsoft.
1. Airsoft Promotes Physical Fitness
For starters, airsoft is a physically demanding sport that builds strength, agility and endurance. It helps kids and young adults build a well-rounded athletic skill set, which translates to other sports and their daily lives. Even if airsoft isn’t your favorite activity, it’s an excellent way to cross-train and prepare for the various physical demands of life.
2. Airsoft Helps Develop Communication Skills
Airsoft is a team sport. It includes constant verbal and non-verbal communication between teammates on the field, including spoken words, hand signals and electronic devices such as radios. Moreover, communication in an airsoft game has to be quick, precise and clear, as it can easily impact the output of the game for everyone. Learning how to communicate efficiently is a key skill kids should learn to confidently socialize during adulthood. Airsoft is the ideal learning environment for kids to develop their communication skills on the fly.
3. Interesting Fact: Airsoft improves learning in general!
As surprising as it may seem, engaging in airsoft has been found to have a multitude of positive impacts on learning and school performance. Firstly, the physical nature of the sport promotes better overall health and well-being. Regular physical activity stimulates blood flow to the brain, leading to improved focus, memory retention, and cognitive function.
This enhanced brain activity can directly benefit academic pursuits by helping students stay more attentive in class and absorb information more effectively. In fact, one study found that student-athletes had a higher average GPA compared to non-student athletes. They also have higher graduation rates, which leads to more employment opportunities in the future.
Furthermore, by participating in airsoft events, students are pressed to manage their time effectively. Balancing school responsibilities with leisure activities helps develop a sense of discipline and prioritization.
In conclusion, airsoft’s positive impact on academic performance lies in its ability to promote physical health, enhance cognitive function, develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, foster teamwork, and boost self-confidence and motivation.
Is Airsoft even SAFE for Kids?
Playing airsoft, just as almost any other sport, can lead to minor injuries, but the sport includes plenty of safety gear to minimize the risk. Players wear helmets, goggles, mesh face masks, elbow pads, knee pads and more. They can even wear ghillie suits to improve their camouflage and lower the chances of getting hit. Parents shouldn’t be worried about their children’s safety when playing airsoft.
Can you play airsoft throughout the whole year?
Even though the main season is from spring until autumn, airsoft is a year-round hobby. You can play whenever you want, and each season brings some unique playing conditions to the table. Playing in a variety of elements keeps the sport fun and enables you to develop new skills. While popular sports like football and basketball have a long offseason, airsoft allows you to keep playing to your heart’s content. Just make sure to wear enough clothes 😊…
Get Your Kids Involved in Airsoft
The recommended age for kids to start playing airsoft is about 12 years old, which is the perfect age for kids to understand the rules and get tangible benefits from the sport. Getting your kids involved in airsoft will set them up for success physically, socially and educationally. So what are you waiting for? Start stocking up on equipment and head to your nearest field!
Moreover, if you are looking for a cool starter gear set, our recommendation is to look around on our website:
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