My father started teaching me to fire a gun (namely a 38 Special and a .22 rifle) from when I was 6 years old. The practice and skills I learnt helped save my life a few years back.

Now I'm not advocating that all kids should be firing guns, but in a controlled environment with suitable guns it is perfectly safe. An Uzi, in auto mode, was a poor choice for a 9 year old to be firing.