JEDDAH: Former director of King Fahad Security College Maj. Gen. Fahad Al-Shaalan has warned against the dangers of easy availability of weapons in Saudi society.

He attributed the increased possession of weapons by teenagers to eight main driving factors: encouragement from others who carry weapons; showing off; gaining power; control in conflicts; compensation for other feelings of weakness or incompleteness; psychological motives; responding to threats; and controlling others.

The increased possession of weapons by youths leads to increased incidence of conflict in society, said Al-Shaalan noting that it is the role of the Ministry of Interior to prevent this.

Despite clear regulations and controls, many people are still violating these regulations by carrying weapons in public places, to threaten others, or carry out crimes, he said.

He said owning weapons with no intent to commit a crime can still lead to violence, especially when such weapons are within reach of children or others at home.

“The family should be aware that weapons should not be neglected or made available to young children,” said Al-Shaalan, noting that those who do not have a license to use a weapon are doing so illegally, and neglecting such weapons makes them responsible for any negative outcomes that might occur.