A new Tennessee law now requires all public schools to teach gun safety to their students. The legislation was passed last year and officially took effect at the start of this school year. Under the law, students as young as kindergarten are required to receive instruction on firearms and how to stay safe around them.
The state’s Department of Education has collaborated with several agencies to develop a curriculum tailored to different age groups. School districts have flexibility in how they deliver the content, but they are required to present the information at least once per year. For instance, Wilson County Schools plans to show students a video focused on the importance of safety when encountering firearms, while also aiming to present the lesson with appropriate sensitivity.
Despite the mandate, some details remain unclear. School leaders are awaiting guidance from the state on key questions, such as whether students will be able to opt-out of the lessons. Metro, Williamson, and Rutherford County school systems have all stated they are in the process of finalizing their approaches to meet the requirements.
This move makes Tennessee the first state in the nation to mandate gun safety courses in all public schools. The initiative joins similar efforts in Utah and Arkansas, though Tennessee’s is the first to take effect statewide immediately. Supporters of the law argue that it teaches critical safety practices to children who may encounter firearms at home or in their communities. Critics, however, point out concerns about placing that responsibility on students and educators without giving parents the option to opt their children out.