Quote Originally Posted by carmangary
It won't be possible to stop people from shining lasers at things unless they ban lasers. Best thing they can do is educate people about it being wrong and also train pilots so that they know how to react.
I partially agree and here's why.

Banning hand guns won't solve the problems when it comes to crime - you can't un-invent something. Banning them just makes it more difficult to get, however they will still exist.

Educating people on a mass scale wouldn't be hard these days because we can broadcast all around the world. But what local or national news channel is going to do a story on the safe practices of lasers?

Small companies who re-sell laser pointers need to stop putting stupid suggestions on their website and present the facts other than "don't shine this in your eyes". I think people know because of media attention that shining a laser at an aircraft is illegal but they figure they won't get caught.

I shine my 5mW green laser at the stars when I'm out with my son or with a group of Boy Scouts to show them constellations and I do tell them that you should never point them at aircraft, people or pets...and I never let them use it.

Statements on sites like “You must be 18 to purchase this product” or “You must be 18 to enter this site” won’t stop kids from clicking “OK”. And the sad thing is adults are just as much to blame. I think it is ultimately up to the parents to guard against this, but you can’t watch your kids ALL the time…and some parents just don’t care.