Paintballing - WIBU

[StonedRoses]

DS is about to start yr8 and has been invited to a friends 13th birthday. All his mates are going and he’s very excited. Unfortunately DW is not keen on him going because it’s paint-balling. She says it’s too dangerous and he can’t go because of the risk of injury. Her only reference seems to be PJ getting blinded in Byker Grove - and has convinced herself this will happen to DS. I think this is ridiculous - and it’s not less safe than many other activities he does.
DS is gutted at the thought he might miss out. WIBU? Is paint-balling safe?

As long as he’s sensible and keeps his goggles on. I was a soft kid but I went around that age and was fine

They all have to wear eye protection to play and the staff are very strict about it being left on for the duration of the game.

If your wife knows this and still wants to stop ds from going she is BU, if she doesn’t you can reassure her that safety has improved since the 1990s!

She does know Byker Grove was fiction, not a documentary?
DGS has been paintballing several times, they get a good safety talk at the beginning, as long as your ds is sensible enough to keep his goggles on he’ll be fine.

Paint-balling hurts. I had bruises for a long time after every game. Of course there is a risk of injury, especially if the kids or staff are careless.

I mean, it bloody hurts but the injuries are minor. It’s less risky than trampolining.

If someone does what PJ did (goggles taken off when they should be on) and by some random chance that someone gets hit in the eye like PJ did.
I dont think its any safer now, its whether or not people do as they are instructed and dont remove the goggles.

The staff are very very strict on safety. It does hurt though, my 13 year old still has the bruises from paintballing a week ago.

Byker Byker, Byker Grove 🤣🤣.