California students trade toy guns for books

HAYWARD, Calif. — Students at an elementary school in California traded their toy guns for books on Saturday.

The students filled bins with toy guns in exchange for books and the chance to win a new bike.

The school's principal hosted the exchange because he thinks playing with toy guns desensitizes children and increases the chance that they'll use real guns as adults. 

"As they get older, it becomes just a natural thing," said Strobridge Elementary School principal Charles Hill. "If they have a real gun in their hand, they'll pull the trigger just as quick. I mean, they don't fear it."

Police officers were also invited to the school to teach kids about gun safety.