I think its fine to teach young children to respect firearms. I was taught at a very young age (around the same age as the girl), though there is a distinct difference between being handed a .22 rifle and a stubby little fully automatic. Standing directly beside her instead of behind is pretty stupid too. Ive seen morons at the range putting bullets in the dirt a few feet away from hitting their own feet trying to shoot a pistol fast one handed. When inexperienced adults cant handle a more experienced firearm, how could you expect it out of a 8 year old?