“small kids”
Speaking of small kids - I had my son and daughter shooting .22s as young as 5. The looks of absolute HORROR I received from some people (you know the type - utter idiots under any circumstances) when they heard that were priceless. (and I think I told them JUST to get their reaction anyway...I’m rotten like that - hahah!).
They grew up with firearms in the house, like I did. so they learned to respect them at an early age.
I think that it depends on the kids, too. Some mature faster than others, I suppose. I know some kids I would NEVER trust around a firearm, versus my own.