When I was a kid my father was in Military hardward refurbishment, so i was brought up with guns, Not just Shotguns, but anything from an officers side arm (Webley revolvers and Browning 9mm's) to 25lbr ceremonial field guns, Bofars, 4.5 and 5.5 Howitzers and 105mm.
I was taught at a very early age what damage ALL guns, pellet / shotgun / firearms can do.
After joining the RE as a combat engineer, and having to use them for real just makes you think about what you are doing. I would not stop my kids from playing "Cowboys and Indians" or "Wars" But only in a secure enviroment. NOT out in the street like I did.
Carrying anything that looks like a "Gun" in the street nowdays is a very risky thing to do, with that state of the world as it is. Not saying that the Police are trigger happy at all, but even in training only a few weeks ago a Police Officer was shot by accident.