| Pepper sprays are considered by the American | | | | Do I think someone younger than fourteen should |
| Institute of security as the best line of defense for | | | | carry a spray? In my opinion, the answer would be |
| the public against assaults. However, before | | | | "probably not". Children younger than fourteen should |
| purchasing a pepper spray you should consider the | | | | not be out in vulnerable places without some type of |
| following: | | | | adult supervision (there are other types of products |
| Your local and state laws | | | | such as whistles, etc. for younger children). |
| Age of the person to use the spray | | | | Does this mean that at some point a young person |
| Maturity of the person | | | | will not use this product incorrectly? No. A student in |
| Where you plan to carry it or have it available | | | | Florida recently pepper sprayed someone on a bus. |
| for use | | | | However, if a student is going to bring a weapon to |
| What type is best for you; spray, fog, foam or | | | | school or somewhere they shouldn't, I'd rather it be |
| gel | | | | pepper spray than a gun or knife. |
| Peppers sprays are legal in all 50 states. However, | | | | Another consideration when purchasing a self |
| Massachusetts, New York, Michigan and Wisconsin | | | | defense spray is the type. OC, actual "pepper" |
| have certain guidelines for use or purchasing. If you | | | | (capsicum) sprays are not only the most effective |
| are unsure, check with your local police department. | | | | but are safe to use as they cause no permanent |
| If you are traveling into these states, make sure you | | | | harm. OC sprays come in different strengths and |
| follow their guidelines for carrying these products. | | | | modes of delivery. You can buy a spray that has a |
| Even though there is no age restriction to carry and | | | | stream line spray and shoot at a distance of up to |
| use pepper sprays in most states, parents should | | | | twelve feet; or in the form of fogs, foams or gels. |
| take into consideration the age and maturity of their | | | | For more information on types of pepper sprays, |
| child before allowing them to carry a spray as a | | | | contact a self defense company and view different |
| means of self defense. Parents are also responsible | | | | products. When purchasing a pepper spray, also |
| for making sure their child does not carry the self | | | | check to see if it contains a UV dye. If you spray an |
| defense spray in restricted areas such as schools, | | | | attacker with a spay containing a dye and he gets |
| school buses, airports, government buildings, etc. | | | | away before police can make an arrest, the dye will |
| That said, I know some very responsible fourteen to | | | | remain on his skin for up to a week; making |
| sixteen year olds that I would not mind having | | | | identifying him later an easier task. Sprays that |
| pepper spray on them if they are out late at night | | | | contain the dyes are a little more expensive, but |
| leaving a job or going to concerts or other events | | | | worth the extra cost if it helps get criminals off the |
| where they may be vulnerable. At the same time, I | | | | street. |
| know some young adults in their twenties and even | | | | Keep you and your family safe, wise and protected |
| older who I would never trust with pepper sprays. | | | | by providing each and your home with some type of |
| The decision for under eighteen should be made by | | | | self defense product. It not only pays to have these |
| the parent and once again, the maturity of the child | | | | products, it is also important to know how to use |
| and the situation in which they may need to carry a | | | | them and know ways to keep you safe. |
| self defense product should be carefully considered. | | | | |