Sure they can play with them safely if the kid isn’t a total ahole.
If the kid is always doing stupid stuff causing problem don’t let him have it.
If he just shoots a bird here or there no biggie. If he shoots the dog’s eye out he/she needs his butt kicked. As long as he knows it is a priviledge, he may feel a sense of power.
This is a good time to find out if he can handle a little power. Better than waiting until he’s in the White house screwing up the world.
A BB gun isn’t going to kill anyone, if he/she totally screws it up slam it on the concrete to bend it up and chalk it up to lesson’s learned by you and him.
A little common sense is in order.
I didn't think it could either until about a year ago not far from where I live.... this happened.
http://www.wsbtv.com/news/14637705/detail.html
Six year old shoots 5 y/o sister, kills her.