Why Children shouldn't be allowed to own a laser

[Crazy Jay]

Hello Everyone.

I went over to my mothers house to watch medium last Friday and my little sister had a friend over. I had my 200mw laser on me and showed them by aiming it at the sky.

My sisters friend, being 8 or 9, asked if she could play with it. I said no of course explaining that it can be very dangerous. So she says this with a cute little smile: "If it doesn't burn a hole in the wall then it's okay for my eyes."

Kids don't understand logic at that level yet, do not ever give one to them. Even if you tell them to be careful. Thanks for reading... just wanted to share this bit of reminder the reason why kids shouldn't own lasers.

We live in a technically advanced time and kids are more and more exposed to electronic devices. Got to be careful

 

[Pilgor]

you should be 18 to buys lasers. I went to the source (radio shack) the other day to buy a 5mW laser for my cats and they asked for my ID. I was happy, they said they don't want me to blind pilots. I lol'ed a bit because idiots are now pointing 300mW< green lasers at planes. Ya, I never let anyone use my lasers.

 

[cmak]

Age does NOT cure idiocy

I disagree; age does not cure idiocy. Being a mature and knowledgeable minor, I think there should be a law in the U.S. where one must be at least 14 years of age and own a special license to purchase and/or possess a laser higher than Class-II. This license must be achieved by an extensive safety test and more, ensuring the protection of the user and those around him/her. It sounds rather extreme, but it would sure be better than lasers being banned altogether from one simple mistake-and-lawsuit. I'm curious to hear your guys' views and opinions on this matter, and thanks again to Crazy Jay for sharing!

peace & thanks
-cmak

 

[Meatball]

I went to the source (radio shack) the other day to buy a 5mW laser for my cats and they asked for my ID. I was happy, they said they don't want me to blind pilots.

They asked you for a form of ID? Did they tell you that they were looking for a particular age?

That's just funny I guess. We have never been instructed to ask customers for ID if they're after a pointer. Perhaps I'll bring it up to my boss.. its an interesting idea.

I know it doesn't cure idiocy, but many people actually appreciate it when you ask for their ID when they write checks or use CCs. Perhaps they'll think the same when they buy lasers.

 

[wolfram]

In reading the origional post, I find it very disturbing that the little girl is the only subject of safety concerns. I also believe that the poster is forgetting a few safety issues himself ! I mean that there is so much legal negativity in the news these days regarding laser being aimed at aircraft . By pointing the laser in the sky, you could be adding to the legal issues by proving to the authorities that lasers are not safe for any lay person to have.
Even if you dont see an aircraft in the sky, does not mean that the pilots cannot see the laser beam.Just saying.

wolfram

 

[lasersbee]

Re: Age does NOT cure idiocy

I disagree; age does not cure idiocy. Being a mature and knowledgeable minor, I think there should be a law in the U.S. where one must be at least 14 years of age and own a special license to purchase and/or possess a laser higher than Class-II. This license must be achieved by an extensive safety test and more, ensuring the protection of the user and those around him/her. It sounds rather extreme, but it would sure be better than lasers being banned altogether from one simple mistake-and-lawsuit. I'm curious to hear your guys' views and opinions on this matter, and thanks again to Crazy Jay for sharing!

peace & thanks
-cmak

You're contradicting yourself....

But you are correct.....IMO... Age does not cure idiocy.... but it
sure helps to weed it out....
You'll never get rid of all the weeds but you can surely minimize
them..

Jerry

 

[Benm]

I guess it depends on the kid too... 8 or 9 neems very young to play with anything class 3 and over. But by the time kids reach ages 12-14 it can be fine, as long as they understand the dangers involved.

At that age i constructed mains powered electronics circuits, also something that can be very dangerous. While most people do get more responsible with age, it varies greatly. Some 12 year olds can act much more resposible than other 18 year olds. I suppose it should be up to the parents to decide what their kids can do, although that assumes the parents arent idiots either... sometimes you wonder how many are.

Btw, if you want to explain the danger: use a magnifiying glass and use the laser to make some paper/plastic smoke or smolder. Children are likely to understand this, as most of them are familiar with using the sun and a magnifying glass to set paper (or ants) on fire. Even if they have no idea of optics, you can point out that the eyeball is curved in a similar fashion to the magnifying glass, and the smoldering would happen somewhere inside their eyes/head. That should make a fine deterrent, and most of it is true too

 

[digital_blue]

In reading the origional post, I find it very disturbing that the little girl is the only subject of safety concerns. I also believe that the poster is forgetting a few safety issues himself ! I mean that there is so much legal negativity in the news these days regarding laser being aimed at aircraft . By pointing the laser in the sky, you could be adding to the legal issues by proving to the authorities that lasers are not safe for any lay person to have.
Even if you dont see an aircraft in the sky, does not mean that the pilots cannot see the laser beam.Just saying.

wolfram

As far as I've observed, majority of "aircraft" incidents are not committed by minors. Age has no bearing on maturity/common sense or lack thereof.

In the OP's case, the kids in question(8-9 years old) are likely too young to understand the concept of danger.

 

[cmak]

Re: Age does NOT cure idiocy

You're contradicting yourself....

But you are correct.....IMO... Age does not cure idiocy.... but it
sure helps to weed it out....
You'll never get rid of all the weeds but you can surely minimize
them..

Jerry

thanks for pointing that out,

however at ages <14 (even moreso when it's 8-9), it isn't quite "idiocy" were dealing with. Simply a natural lack of knowledge/understanding about danger and safety precautions. Besides, as stated by Digital_Blue, most laser aircraft incidents are committed by adults. I feel my point has been made, and thank you to all the other posters for sharing your opinions.

peace & thanks
-cmak

 

[Deleted member 8382]

I'd add something. A part from passing the test, I'd forbid to buy any >5mW laser without having safety goggles. You show you're goggles with their certification or you buy ones, or you don't buy the laser.

 

[Benm]

That isnt going to do any good. All cars come with seatbelts, at no additional price, yet many people choose not to wear them.

It might be more useful to give out a leaflet with safety information on using the laser, much like pharmacies do with medication that has dangerous side effects like impaired driving. People may still choose to ignore the warning, but at least it gives a chance to deliver a message without causing hassle.

 

[cmak]

I think the idea of a warning sheet would be a better idea than mandatory ownership of Safety Glasses, because most high-powered lasers are sold online, and proving ownership might be rather... difficult

however the license test should be extremely thorough and comprehensive to receive the license, and possibly multi-level for different powers/safety-features of lasers. For example, if you pass the 'base test', you can purchase a laser up to, say, 50mW in power, and with safety features mandatory. If you'd like to purchase a burner (>50mW), you'd have to undergo another test. If you'd like to purchase/own one without the entire 5-point safety system, you'd need another test/license. Similar to the way it is with guns (concealed weapons license, automatic weapons license, silencers, etc.) and with cars (driver's license, bus license, huge-truck license, whatever they're called ). Once again my views are pretty extreme, but it sure is better than an Australia-style ban.

Hallucynogenyc's idea with mandatory ownership of safety glasses could be very useful, however, if expanded on in the right ways...

peace & thanks
-cmak

 

[Benm]

Licenses only bring costs, but they do not hinder irresponsible users. You can qualify for any such license with a bit of study. You can also apply for a drivers license even if your sole intent is running people over.

Licenses only hinder people with good intentions, but never deter peope with malicious intent.

 

[Deleted member 8382]

Yup, but they disuade people with no people at all. I mean, a lot of people buy a 200mW dilda just because they see it as a possible funny toy. As it's as easy as paying and receiving it, they don't get informed about dangers at all.

I think we all gave our ideas aiming at the normal innocent user who might get damaged or damage others with it, not at criminals lol

About the safety glasses being mandatory, I feel most of the people would sure use them if they had them, but paying 50$ for a goggles is a kinda stupid thing to do unless you know how dangerous it can be to not do it. However, if you already have them, it's another story.

 

[rangedunits]

They asked you for a form of ID? Did they tell you that they were looking for a particular age?

That's just funny I guess. We have never been instructed to ask customers for ID if they're after a pointer. Perhaps I'll bring it up to my boss.. its an interesting idea.

I know it doesn't cure idiocy, but many people actually appreciate it when you ask for their ID when they write checks or use CCs. Perhaps they'll think the same when they buy lasers.

Lol not those who use fake/stolen credit card. I get these all the time...

 

[Razako]

Laser licenses are a retarded solution imo. Should we require a license to buy and set off fireworks? How about matches? One carelessly uses firework like a roman candle or mortar can seriously injure someone or burn an entire forest to the ground.

Also fireworks are like lasers in the sense that they're "just for fun" with no practical use or need.

IMO the laser misuse problem is growing exponentially right now due to a number of factors.
1-Increased media coverage giving the idiots the idea in the first place.
2-Ultra cheap and easily obtainable high powered green lasers from china. Someone who has $1000+ to buy an rpl or herc is probably smart enough that they won't be stupid with it.
3-Lasers give typical idiots and hooligans a way to effectively reach out and annoy/endanger people without them having any way to retaliate. You can hit your target from thousands of feet away without generating noise and by the time you track the green beam back to its origin they're probably already long gone unless they're stupid enough to do it from their house or balcony.

IMO something like 30% of laser incidents are probably purely accidental and result from people with no real ill intent who simply are too stupid to understand what they've got. They're used to the cheapo <5mw reds that you can annoy people with and they're out drunk at night, see a plane and the rest is history. The other 70% are purely malicious and are meant to cause havoc and panic.

I seriously do wonder about the people doing this sometimes. What are their motives for these deliberate attacks? What if that organized group in Australia targeting landing planes with multiple lasers had actually managed to down a plane and kill hundreds? Would they all "celebrate" with a beer or something? Are they actually "laser terrorists" trying to kill people?

If these are deliberate attempts at generating panic or killing people IE "laser terrorists" then there really isn't much that a ban or licenses will do.