Early exposure to toy guns linked to adult gun ownership, says expert

SHAH ALAM - A criminologist has highlighted the influence of media, family, and social conditioning as foundational elements in the development of gun culture.

Dr Geshina Ayu Mat Saat pointed out that societal norms frequently promote the association of firearms with masculinity and toughness beginning in early childhood.

"Many parents purchase toy guns for their sons, believing these toys symbolise bravery and strength.

"This early exposure can set a precedent, with children learning to admire and desire gun ownership," Geshina told Sinar Daily when contacted.

This conditioning often persists into adulthood, perpetuating a cycle of what she described as toxic masculinity across generations.

She also stressed that the aspiration to own a gun can stem from various psychological factors including cognitive distortions about gun usage, personality traits, and violence proneness.

Moreover, people often fantasise about the power and control associated with firearms, desiring to instill fear or admiration in others.

She said factors influencing gun ownership extend beyond family influence to include legal regulations, accessibility to firearms, and cultural portrayals of gun use.

"The entertainment industry often glamorises gun violence, which can increase viewership but also reinforces harmful stereotypes about firearm usage," she added.

Geshina also discussed how in some cultures, firearms are deeply embedded in the social fabric, viewed as tools for conflict resolution or displays of power.

"Motivations for gun ownership are diverse and can vary significantly from one individual to another, ranging from a single reason to multiple interconnected reasons," she said.