Gun Safety Education Introduced in Schools Amid Concerns Over Firearm Accessibility

Sat Nov 08 2025 15:38:03 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As school safety measures evolve, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Utah introduce gun safety education for students as young as five, aiming to teach responsible behavior around firearms.

In an effort to enhance safety protocols, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Utah have enacted laws mandating gun safety education in public schools for students as young as five. This initiative comes against the backdrop of rising concerns over gun violence and accidents involving firearms. The lessons, which include interactive activities, are designed to instruct children on the appropriate steps to take if they encounter a firearm. While proponents believe these lessons can foster responsible gun ownership and storage practices among families, critics argue that the approach places the onus on children rather than addressing the root causes of gun-related incidents.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — This school year, students in elementary, middle, and high schools in some states will get a new lesson on safety: what to do if they find a firearm.

Arkansas, Tennessee, and Utah are the first states to enact laws that require public schools to teach children as young as 5 the basics of gun safety and how to properly store guns in the home. Only Utah’s law allows students to opt out of the lesson if requested by parents or guardians.

A similar law in Arizona was vetoed by the Democratic governor, and lawmakers in at least five other states have introduced such proposals, putting schools at the forefront of yet another debate about gun violence.

In Tennessee, lesson plans could include stickers, games, quizzes, or videos created to engage young learners about firearms, focusing on what to do when encountering one. This approach seeks to equip children with essential knowledge while avoiding hands-on gun instruction.

“While there is some controversy around guns, there doesn’t always have to be,” said Emily Buck, director of public relations for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. “I think that having some education and foundational knowledge really can be beneficial in the long run.”

Stop, don’t touch, leave quickly, tell an adult

The lessons are often adapted from existing hunting safety courses, emphasizing that children should not touch a firearm and instead should report it. The key message is a straightforward sequence: Stop, don’t touch, leave quickly, tell an adult.

In Tennessee, the legislation explicitly prohibits the use of live firearms in these lessons, shifting the focus entirely to safety education without direct interaction with guns.

Berclair Elementary School in Memphis, for example, employs an interactive relay-race game to reinforce safety protocols. Students engaged in this activity learn what to do when they see a gun, highlighting the importance of communication with adults.

Buck acknowledged adults’ roles in creating unsafe home environments and stressed the importance of teaching children how to navigate these situations safely.

Neutral Lessons Amidst Partisan Debate

Gun legislation remains a contentious topic across the U.S., often viewed through a partisan lens. Republican lawmakers have championed the education bills in the aforementioned states, asserting a neutral educational approach to gun ownership topics.

Supporters, including various nonpartisan organizations, believe that teaching gun safety in schools could prompt families to reassess their firearm storage practices.

However, critics argue that simply educating children won’t eliminate the risks associated with unsecured firearms. They emphasize the need for adult accountability in ensuring guns are stored safely to prevent tragedies.

In summary, while the introduction of firearm safety education in schools is seen as a vital step towards fostering responsible attitudes among the youth, the broader discourse around gun access and ownership continues to evoke polarized opinions nationally.