NASHVILLE, Tenn. — New gun safety lessons are on the agenda this school year in elementary, middle, and high schools across Arkansas, Tennessee, and Utah, where lawmakers have mandated education on firearms for students as young as five. The programs aim to teach children how to respond safely if they encounter a firearm.
In Tennessee, the curriculum may integrate engaging elements like stickers, games, and quizzes, designed to reinforce important safety principles. Tammie Chapman, a health instructor at Berclair Elementary in Memphis, noted that nearly all her fifth-grade students reported having seen a real gun, highlighting the urgent need for such educational measures.
State officials believe that instilling a foundational understanding of firearm safety could significantly impact long-term safety, even as gun violence remains a contentious issue across the U.S.
With a significant number of children growing up around firearms, the lessons advocate for a simple yet effective message: Stop, don’t touch, leave quickly, and tell an adult. Schools have the option to adapt existing safety frameworks or create customized lessons that align with legislative requirements.
In a polarizing political climate, these education bills were supported mainly by Republican lawmakers, despite opposition from gun control advocates who argue that the focus should instead be on preventing adults from leaving firearms unsecured. Critics emphasize that teaching children about guns does not solve the underlying issues of responsible gun storage among adults.
While some school districts incorporate these lessons as part of broader safety training, questions regarding their effectiveness continue to spark debate among educators and policymakers. For many, the hope is that these precautions will lead to safer home environments and a reduction in firearm-related accidents among children.
